Athletic band with removable module

ABSTRACT

A performance monitoring system includes an athletic band or other article of apparel worn by a user, with a pocket supported by the article and defining a cavity, where the pocket has a sensor opening extending through an inner wall of the pocket and an access opening providing access to the cavity. The system also includes an electronic module received in the cavity such that the module can be inserted and removed from the cavity through the access opening. The module has a projection on an underside of the electronic module and a sensor mounted on the projection, where the projection extends through the sensor opening when the electronic module is received in the cavity and is configured to place the sensor in close proximity to skin of the user, such that the sensor is configured to sense a physiological parameter of the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional of and claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/082,113, filed Nov. 19, 2014; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/100,782, filed Jan. 7, 2015; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/146,029, filed Apr. 10, 2015; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/168,357, filed May 29, 2015; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/168,502, filed May 29, 2015; and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/215,497, filed Sep. 8, 2015, which priorapplications are incorporated herein by reference and made part hereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to apparel. Aspects of the disclosureconcern, more particularly, an article of apparel that incorporates anelectronic device that is retained within the article of apparel yetoperable, and may be partially viewable, from outside the article ofapparel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When engaged in a physical activity, such as running, an athlete wantsto maintain a focus on the activity. Although many mobile devices may beupdated to include “apps” or modules that provide athletic orfitness-related information, they are often ineffective for manyathletes, including those involved in intense physical activities.Removing an electronic device, such as a mobile phone or music playerfrom a pocket to operate the device can be distracting to the athlete.In addition, the athlete may drop the device while fumbling to remove orreplace the device from a pocket. Further, many athletes, including butnot limited to professional, semi-professional, and league players arebound by rules and regulations which can greatly restrict the materialsworn by the athlete during a game or tournament. Unfortunately,historically acceptable apparel was not designed to allow reliablereception of athletic sensing devices. This disclosure addresses theseand other shortcomings of the prior art.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure include an article of apparel, such asan armband, wristband, shirt, or jacket that is configured to retain anelectronic module. The article of apparel has a pocket having an openingto permit insertion and removal of an electronic module.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a performance monitoring system thatincludes an article of apparel configured to be worn by a user, with apocket supported by the article of apparel, the pocket having an innerwall and an outer wall, with a cavity defined between the inner wall andthe outer wall, where the pocket has a sensor opening extending throughan inner wall of the pocket and an access opening providing access tothe cavity. The system also includes an electronic module received inthe cavity such that the electronic module is configured to be insertedand removed from the cavity through the access opening. The electronicmodule has a projection on an underside of the electronic module and asensor mounted on the projection (e.g., an optical heart rate sensor),where the projection extends through the sensor opening when theelectronic module is received in the cavity and is configured to placethe sensor in close proximity to skin of the user, such that the sensoris configured to sense a physiological parameter of the user.

According to one aspect, the access opening is defined in the inner wallof the pocket, and the sensor opening is separate from the accessopening.

According to another aspect, the electronic module includes a casingdefining the projection, a computer device contained within the casingand in communication with the sensor, and an interface defined on a topside of the casing and configured to receive user input for operation ofthe computer device. The electronic module may also include a connectorconfigured for connection to an external device, and the band mayinclude a protective shell positioned within the cavity, where theprotective shell receives the connector therein when the electronicmodule is received in the cavity.

According to a further aspect, the article of apparel is a band thatincludes a tubular body configured to be worn by the user, where thetubular body of the band has a wider end and a narrower end and isconfigured to be worn on an arm of the user. The access opening may belocated at the end of the pocket most proximate to the narrower end ofthe tubular body in one configuration, or at the end of the pocket mostproximate to the wider end of the tubular body in another configuration.

According to yet another aspect, the article of apparel is formed of anelastic fabric material, and the elastic fabric material of the articleof apparel at least partially defines the inner wall of the pocket andan outer wall of the pocket, such that the pocket is integrally formedwith the tubular body. The inner and outer walls of the pocket may beheat pressed with a bonding material, such that the elastic fabricmaterial defining the inner and outer walls of the pocket has lowerelasticity than the elastic fabric material defining the tubular body.

According to a still further aspect, the article of apparel includes ahousing formed of a polymer material and connected to the article ofapparel, where the housing defines the cavity of the pocket. The articleof apparel may be formed of an elastic fabric material, where thepolymer material of the housing has increased rigidity relative to theelastic fabric material of the article of apparel.

According to an additional aspect the band further includes a movablesecuring member securing the module within the cavity.

Additional aspects of the disclosure relate to a band that includes atubular body having an inner surface and an outer surface and defining acentral passage extending in an axial direction between first and secondopposed ends, where the tubular body is configured to be worn on auser's body such that a portion of the user's body is received in thecentral passage. The tubular body has an inner portion at leastpartially defining the inner surface and an outer portion at leastpartially defining the outer surface, where the inner portion and theouter portion each include a layer of an elastic fabric material, withthe tubular body further including a bonding material between the innerand outer portions to bond the inner portion to the outer portion. Thebonding material is arranged in a plurality of lines extending in theaxial direction, where the lines are spaced from each other in adirection perpendicular to the axial direction. The lines may be curvedor straight, or a combination of the two, in various configurations.

According to one aspect, each of the lines of bonding material is abroken line including a plurality of line segments separated by aplurality of gaps. In one configuration, the gaps in each line arestaggered with respect to the gaps in each adjacent line. Morespecifically, the gaps of a first line may be offset from the gaps of asecond line adjacent to the first line, such that the gaps of the firstline are aligned with the line segments of the second line, and the gapsof the second line are aligned with the line segments of the first line.

According to another aspect, the band further includes a pocketsupported by the tubular body, the pocket having an inner wall locatedon the inner surface of the tubular body and an outer wall located onthe outer surface of the tubular body, with a cavity defined between theinner wall and the outer wall. The pocket has a sensor opening extendingthrough the inner wall of the pocket and an access opening providingaccess to the cavity.

According to a further aspect, the layers of the inner portion and theouter portion are part of a single sheet of the elastic fabric materialhaving two opposed edges, where the single sheet is folded along a foldline and the two opposed edges are connected to each other to form thelayers of the inner portion and the outer portion.

Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a band including a tubularbody having an inner surface and an outer surface and defining a centralpassage, where the tubular body is configured to be worn on a user'sbody such that a portion of the user's body is received in the centralpassage, and a pocket supported by the tubular body. The pocket has aninner wall located on the inner surface of the tubular body and an outerwall located on the outer surface of the tubular body, with a cavitydefined between the inner wall and the outer wall. The pocket also has asensor opening extending through the inner wall of the pocket and anaccess opening providing access to the cavity. The pocket is configuredto removably receive an electronic module in the cavity through theaccess opening, such that the sensor opening is configured to permit asensor of the electronic module to be placed in close proximity to skinof the user.

According to one aspect, the access opening and the sensor opening areformed together as a single opening.

According to another aspect, the access opening is defined in the innerwall of the pocket, and the sensor opening is separate from the accessopening.

According to a further aspect, the tubular body is formed of an elasticfabric material, and the elastic fabric material of the band at leastpartially defines the inner and outer walls of the pocket, such that thepocket is integrally formed with the tubular body.

According to yet another aspect, the band includes an adjustmentmechanism connected to the tubular body and configured for manipulationby the user to adjust a circumference of the tubular body and a size ofthe central passage.

According to a still further aspect, the band includes a housing formedof a polymer material and connected to the tubular body, where thehousing defines the cavity of the pocket.

According to an additional aspect, the tubular body has first and secondopposed ends, such that the central passage extends between the firstand second ends, and a slope of the tubular body defined between thefirst and second ends is between 0-0.75.

Still further aspects of the disclosure relate to an electronic modulethat includes a casing having a top side and a bottom side, with thecasing having a projection on the bottom side. The module also includesa sensor (e.g., an optical heart rate sensor) mounted on the projection,where the sensor is configured to sense a physiological parameter of auser, a computer device contained within the casing and in communicationwith the sensor, and an interface defined on the top side of the casingand configured to receive user input for operation of the computerdevice.

According to one aspect, the electronic module further comprises aconnector positioned at an end of the casing and connected to thecomputer device, the connector configured for connection to an externaldevice.

Other aspects of the disclosure may include any features or combinationsof features described above.

Still other features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparentfrom the following specification taken in conjunction with the followingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system that may be configured to providepersonal training and/or obtain data from the physical movements of auser in accordance with example embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example computer device that may be part of or incommunication with the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative sensor assembly that may be worn by a userin accordance with example embodiments;

FIG. 4 shows another example sensor assembly that may be worn by a userin accordance with example embodiments;

FIG. 5 shows illustrative locations for sensory input which may includephysical sensors located on/in a user's clothing and/or be based uponidentification of relationships between two moving body parts of theuser;

FIG. 6 shows a chart comparing different exercises to the mean of asensor's output based upon different movements;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart that may be utilized in the creation ormodification of a heart-rate measurement protocol in accordance withcertain embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a chart correlating Body Mass Index (BMI) with a performancescore amongst a full population sample, in accordance with variousexamples disclosed herein;

FIG. 9 is a chart correlating BMI with the performance score amongstmale individuals of the population sample of FIG. 8, in accordance withvarious examples disclosed herein;

FIG. 10 is a chart correlating BMI with the performance score amongstfemale individuals of the population sample of FIG. 8, in accordancewith various examples disclosed herein;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a band according toaspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the band of FIG. 11;

FIGS. 13A-B are perspective views of another embodiment of a bandaccording to aspects of the disclosure, turned inside-out;

FIG. 14 is a top view of another embodiment of a band according toaspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 15A is a perspective view and a side view of another embodiment ofa band according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 15B is a perspective view and a side view of another embodiment ofa band according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 16 shows two cross-section views of two additional embodiments of aband according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a top view and a side view of another embodiment of a bandaccording to aspects of the disclosure;

FIGS. 18-30 are top views of components for manufacturing a bandaccording to aspects of the disclosure;

FIGS. 31-38 are plan views schematically illustrating a method ofmanufacturing a band according to aspects of the disclosure, using thecomponents of FIGS. 18-30;

FIG. 39A is a top view and a side view of another embodiment of a bandaccording to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 39B is a top view and a side view of another embodiment of a bandaccording to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 40A is a top view of another embodiment of a band according toaspects of the disclosure, with some components used in manufacturingthe band;

FIG. 40B is a top view of another embodiment of a band according toaspects of the disclosure, with some components used in manufacturingthe band;

FIG. 41 shows top perspective and bottom perspective views of oneembodiment of a module according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 42 is a top view of another embodiment of a module according toaspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 43 shows bottom perspective, top perspective, top, and bottomviews, from left to right, of another embodiment of a module accordingto aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 44 shows bottom perspective, top perspective, top, and bottomviews, from left to right, of another embodiment of a module accordingto aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 45 shows bottom perspective, top perspective, top, and bottomviews, from left to right, of another embodiment of a module accordingto aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 46 shows top perspective and bottom perspective views, from left toright, of another embodiment of a module according to aspects of thedisclosure;

FIG. 47 shows top perspective and bottom perspective views, from left toright, of another embodiment of a module according to aspects of thedisclosure;

FIG. 48 shows top perspective and bottom perspective views, from left toright, of another embodiment of a module according to aspects of thedisclosure;

FIG. 49 shows top perspective and bottom perspective views, from left toright, of another embodiment of a module according to aspects of thedisclosure;

FIG. 50 shows top perspective and bottom perspective views, from left toright, of another embodiment of a module according to aspects of thedisclosure;

FIG. 51 shows top perspective and bottom perspective views, from left toright, of another embodiment of a module according to aspects of thedisclosure;

FIG. 52 shows top perspective and bottom perspective views, from left toright, of another embodiment of a module according to aspects of thedisclosure;

FIG. 53 shows top perspective and bottom perspective views, from left toright, of another embodiment of a module according to aspects of thedisclosure;

FIG. 54 shows top perspective and bottom perspective views, from left toright, of another embodiment of a module according to aspects of thedisclosure;

FIG. 55 shows top perspective and bottom perspective views, from left toright, of another embodiment of a module according to aspects of thedisclosure;

FIG. 56 shows top perspective and bottom perspective views, from left toright, of another embodiment of a module according to aspects of thedisclosure;

FIG. 57 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a moduleaccording to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 58 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a moduleaccording to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 59 is a front view of the module of FIG. 58;

FIG. 60 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a moduleaccording to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 61 is a bottom perspective view of the module of FIG. 60;

FIG. 62 is a side view of the module of FIG. 60;

FIG. 63 is a bottom perspective view of the module of FIG. 60, with aretaining structure connected to the module;

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mold formanufacturing a band according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of the mold of FIG. 64 along alongitudinal axis;

FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view of the mold of FIG. 64 along a lateralaxis;

FIG. 67 is a magnified view of a portion of the mold as shown in FIG.66;

FIG. 68 is a top view of another embodiment of a band according toaspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 69 is a top view of the band of FIG. 68, turned inside-out;

FIG. 70A is top view of the band of FIG. 68, turned inside out;

FIG. 70B is top view of the band of FIG. 68;

FIG. 70C is bottom view of the band of FIG. 68;

FIGS. 71-73 are top views of components for manufacturing the band asshown in FIGS. 68-70C;

FIG. 74 is a top view of a housing of the band as shown in FIGS. 68-70C;

FIG. 75 is a bottom view of the housing of FIG. 74;

FIGS. 76-77 are top views of additional components for manufacturing theband as shown in FIGS. 68-70C;

FIG. 78 is a side view of the housing of FIG. 74;

FIG. 79 is a bottom perspective view of the housing of FIG. 74;

FIG. 80 is a bottom perspective view of the housing of FIG. 74;

FIG. 81 is a top perspective view of the housing of FIG. 74;

FIG. 82 is a side view of the housing of FIG. 74;

FIGS. 83-91 are plan views schematically illustrating a method ofmanufacturing a band according to aspects of the disclosure, using thecomponents and housing of FIGS. 71-82;

FIG. 92 is a top view of another embodiment of a band according toaspects of the disclosure, with a portion of the band shown in greaterdetail in an inset;

FIG. 93 is a top view of another embodiment of a band according toaspects of the disclosure, with a portion of the band shown in greaterdetail in an inset;

FIG. 94 is a perspective view schematically illustrating one embodimentof a mold for heat pressing a portion of a band according to aspects ofthe disclosure, along with the housing of FIG. 74, which is usable inconnection with the method of FIGS. 83-91;

FIG. 95 is a perspective view schematically illustrating use of the moldof FIG. 94 in operation;

FIG. 96 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a band according toaspects of the disclosure, illustrating certain physical dimensions ofthe band;

FIG. 96A is a schematic view of one embodiment of a band according toaspects of the disclosure, illustrating the calculation of the slope ofthe band;

FIG. 97 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a housingusable in manufacturing a band according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 98 is a bottom perspective view of the housing of FIG. 97;

FIG. 99 is a top perspective view of the housing of FIG. 97;

FIG. 100 is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a housingusable in manufacturing a band according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 101 is a top perspective view of the housing of FIG. 100;

FIG. 102 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a housing andadditional input device that is usable in connection with a band andmodule according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 103 is a top perspective view of the housing and additional inputdevice of FIG. 102;

FIG. 104 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a housing andadditional input device that is usable in connection with a band andmodule according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 105 is a top perspective view of the housing and additional inputdevice of FIG. 104;

FIG. 106 is a bottom perspective view of the housing of FIG. 102 and themodule of FIG. 60 being inserted into the housing;

FIG. 107 is a perspective view and an exploded perspective view ofanother embodiment of an additional input device and a module accordingto aspects of the disclosure, showing a connection between theadditional input device and the module;

FIG. 108 is a perspective view and an exploded perspective view ofanother embodiment of an additional input device and a module accordingto aspects of the disclosure, showing a connection between theadditional input device and the module;

FIG. 109 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a band having anadditional input device connected to the band, according to aspects ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 110 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of amodule, an additional input device, and a band according to aspects ofthe disclosure, showing the module being connected to the additionalinput device and then being connected to the band;

FIG. 111 is a schematic view illustrating another embodiment of a bandwith an additional input device connected to the band, with the bandbeing worn on an arm of a user, and with the additional input devicebeing in communication with one or more external devices;

FIG. 112 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of a method of operationthat can be used in connection with an external device and an additionalinput device according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 113 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of a method ofoperation that can be used in connection with an external device and anadditional input device according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 114 illustrates one embodiment of a display of an external devicebeing operated in conjunction with an additional input device accordingto aspects of the disclosure; and

FIG. 115 illustrates another embodiment of a display of an externaldevice being operated in conjunction with an additional input deviceaccording to aspects of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of this disclosure involve obtaining, storing, and/or processingathletic data relating to the physical movements of an athlete. Theathletic data may be actively or passively sensed and/or stored in oneor more non-transitory storage mediums. Still further aspects relate tousing athletic data to generate an output, such as for example,calculated athletic attributes, feedback signals to provide guidance,and/or other information. These and other aspects will be discussed inthe context of the following illustrative examples of a personaltraining system.

In the following description of the various embodiments, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and inwhich is shown by way of illustration various embodiments in whichaspects of the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood thatother embodiments may be utilized and structural and functionalmodifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit ofthe present disclosure. Further, headings within this disclosure shouldnot be considered as limiting aspects of the disclosure and the exampleembodiments are not limited to the example headings.

I. Example Personal Training System

A. Illustrative Networks

Aspects of this disclosure relate to systems and methods that may beutilized across a plurality of networks. In this regard, certainembodiments may be configured to adapt to dynamic network environments.Further embodiments may be operable in differing discrete networkenvironments. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a personal trainingsystem 100 in accordance with example embodiments. Example system 100may include one or more interconnected networks, such as theillustrative body area network (BAN) 102, local area network (LAN) 104,and wide area network (WAN) 106. As shown in FIG. 1 (and describedthroughout this disclosure), one or more networks (e.g., BAN 102, LAN104, and/or WAN 106), may overlap or otherwise be inclusive of eachother. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the illustrativenetworks 102-106 are logical networks that may each comprise one or moredifferent communication protocols and/or network architectures and yetmay be configured to have gateways to each other or other networks. Forexample, each of BAN 102, LAN 104 and/or WAN 106 may be operativelyconnected to the same physical network architecture, such as cellularnetwork architecture 108 and/or WAN architecture 110. For example,portable electronic device 112, which may be considered a component ofboth BAN 102 and LAN 104, may comprise a network adapter or networkinterface card (NIC) configured to translate data and control signalsinto and from network messages according to one or more communicationprotocols, such as the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), the InternetProtocol (IP), and the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) through one or moreof architectures 108 and/or 110. These protocols are well known in theart, and thus will not be discussed here in more detail.

Network architectures 108 and 110 may include one or more informationdistribution network(s), of any type(s) or topology(s), alone or incombination(s), such as for example, cable, fiber, satellite, telephone,cellular, wireless, etc. and as such, may be variously configured suchas having one or more wired or wireless communication channels(including but not limited to: WiFi®, Bluetooth®, Near-FieldCommunication (NFC) and/or ANT technologies). Thus, any device within anetwork of FIG. 1, (such as portable electronic device 112 or any otherdevice described herein) may be considered inclusive to one or more ofthe different logical networks 102-106. With the foregoing in mind,example components of an illustrative BAN and LAN (which may be coupledto WAN 106) will be described.

1. Example Local Area Network

LAN 104 may include one or more electronic devices, such as for example,computer device 114. Computer device 114, or any other component ofsystem 100, may comprise a mobile terminal, such as a telephone, musicplayer, tablet, netbook or any portable device. In other embodiments,computer device 114 may comprise a media player or recorder, desktopcomputer, server(s), a gaming console, such as for example, a Microsoft®XBOX, Sony® Playstation, and/or a Nintendo® Wii gaming consoles. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that these are merely example devicesfor descriptive purposes and this disclosure is not limited to anyconsole or computing device.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the design and structureof computer device 114 may vary depending on several factors, such asits intended purpose. One example implementation of computer device 114is provided in FIG. 2, which illustrates a block diagram of computingdevice 200. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosureof FIG. 2 may be applicable to any device disclosed herein. Device 200may include one or more processors, such as processor 202-1 and 202-2(generally referred to herein as “processors 202” or “processor 202”).Processors 202 may communicate with each other or other components viaan interconnection network or bus 204. Processor 202 may include one ormore processing cores, such as cores 206-1 and 206-2 (referred to hereinas “cores 206” or more generally as “core 206”), which may beimplemented on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip.

Cores 206 may comprise a shared cache 208 and/or a private cache (e.g.,caches 210-1 and 210-2, respectively). One or more caches 208/210 maylocally cache data stored in a system memory, such as memory 212, forfaster access by components of the processor 202. Memory 212 may be incommunication with the processors 202 via a chipset 216. Cache 208 maybe part of system memory 212 in certain embodiments. Memory 212 mayinclude, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read onlymemory (ROM), and include one or more of solid-state memory, optical ormagnetic storage, and/or any other medium that can be used to storeelectronic information. Yet other embodiments may omit system memory212.

System 200 may include one or more I/O devices (e.g., I/O devices 214-1through 214-3, each generally referred to as I/O device 214). I/O datafrom one or more I/O devices 214 may be stored at one or more caches208, 210 and/or system memory 212. Each of I/O devices 214 may bepermanently or temporarily configured to be in operative communicationwith a component of system 100 using any physical or wirelesscommunication protocol.

Returning to FIG. 1, four example I/O devices (shown as elements116-122) are shown as being in communication with computer device 114.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of devices116-122 may be stand-alone devices or may be associated with anotherdevice besides computer device 114. For example, one or more I/O devicesmay be associated with or interact with a component of BAN 102 and/orWAN 106. I/O devices 116-122 may include, but are not limited toathletic data acquisition units, such as for example, sensors. One ormore I/O devices may be configured to sense, detect, and/or measure anathletic parameter from a user, such as user 124. Examples include, butare not limited to: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, alocation-determining device (e.g., GPS), light (including non-visiblelight) sensor, temperature sensor (including ambient temperature and/orbody temperature), sleep pattern sensors, heart rate monitor,image-capturing sensor, moisture sensor, force sensor, compass, angularrate sensor, and/or combinations thereof among others.

In further embodiments, I/O devices 116-122 may be used to provide anoutput (e.g., audible, visual, or tactile cue) and/or receive an input,such as a user input from athlete 124. Example uses for theseillustrative I/O devices are provided below, however, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that such discussions are merely descriptive ofsome of the many options within the scope of this disclosure. Further,reference to any data acquisition unit, I/O device, or sensor is to beinterpreted disclosing an embodiment that may have one or more I/Odevice, data acquisition unit, and/or sensor disclosed herein or knownin the art (either individually or in combination).

Information from one or more devices (across one or more networks) maybe used to provide (or be utilized in the formation of) a variety ofdifferent parameters, metrics or physiological characteristics includingbut not limited to: motion parameters, such as speed, acceleration,distance, steps taken, direction, relative movement of certain bodyportions or objects to others, or other motion parameters which may beexpressed as angular rates, rectilinear rates or combinations thereof,physiological parameters, such as calories, heart rate, sweat detection,effort, oxygen consumed, oxygen kinetics, and other metrics which mayfall within one or more categories, such as: pressure, impact forces,information regarding the athlete, such as height, weight, age,demographic information and combinations thereof.

System 100 may be configured to transmit and/or receive athletic data,including the parameters, metrics, or physiological characteristicscollected within system 100 or otherwise provided to system 100. As oneexample, WAN 106 may comprise server 111. Server 111 may have one ormore components of system 200 of FIG. 2. In one embodiment, server 111comprises at least a processor and a memory, such as processor 206 andmemory 212. Server 111 may be configured to store computer-executableinstructions on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Theinstructions may comprise athletic data, such as raw or processed datacollected within system 100. System 100 may be configured to transmitdata, such as energy expenditure points, to a social networking websiteor host such a site. Server 111 may be utilized to permit one or moreusers to access and/or compare athletic data. As such, server 111 may beconfigured to transmit and/or receive notifications based upon athleticdata or other information.

Returning to LAN 104, computer device 114 is shown in operativecommunication with a display device 116, an image-capturing device 118,sensor 120 and exercise device 122, which are discussed in turn belowwith reference to example embodiments. In one embodiment, display device116 may provide audio-visual cues to athlete 124 to perform a specificathletic movement. The audio-visual cues may be provided in response tocomputer-executable instruction executed on computer device 114 or anyother device, including a device of BAN 102 and/or WAN. Display device116 may be a touchscreen device or otherwise configured to receive auser-input.

In one embodiment, data may be obtained from image-capturing device 118and/or other sensors, such as sensor 120, which may be used to detect(and/or measure) athletic parameters, either alone or in combinationwith other devices, or stored information. Image-capturing device 118and/or sensor 120 may comprise a transceiver device. In one embodimentsensor 128 may comprise an infrared (IR), electromagnetic (EM) oracoustic transceiver. For example, image-capturing device 118, and/orsensor 120 may transmit waveforms into the environment, includingtowards the direction of athlete 124 and receive a “reflection” orotherwise detect alterations of those released waveforms. Those skilledin the art will readily appreciate that signals corresponding to amultitude of different data spectrums may be utilized in accordance withvarious embodiments. In this regard, devices 118 and/or 120 may detectwaveforms emitted from external sources (e.g., not system 100). Forexample, devices 118 and/or 120 may detect heat being emitted from user124 and/or the surrounding environment. Thus, image-capturing device 126and/or sensor 128 may comprise one or more thermal imaging devices. Inone embodiment, image-capturing device 126 and/or sensor 128 maycomprise an IR device configured to perform range phenomenology.

In one embodiment, exercise device 122 may be any device configurable topermit or facilitate the athlete 124 performing a physical movement,such as for example a treadmill, step machine, etc. There is norequirement that the device be stationary. In this regard, wirelesstechnologies permit portable devices to be utilized, thus a bicycle orother mobile exercising device may be utilized in accordance withcertain embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatequipment 122 may be or comprise an interface for receiving anelectronic device containing athletic data performed remotely fromcomputer device 114. For example, a user may use a sporting device(described below in relation to BAN 102) and upon returning home or thelocation of equipment 122, download athletic data into element 122 orany other device of system 100. Any I/O device disclosed herein may beconfigured to receive activity data.

2. Body Area Network

BAN 102 may include two or more devices configured to receive, transmit,or otherwise facilitate the collection of athletic data (includingpassive devices). Exemplary devices may include one or more dataacquisition units, sensors, or devices known in the art or disclosedherein, including but not limited to I/O devices 116-122. Two or morecomponents of BAN 102 may communicate directly, yet in otherembodiments, communication may be conducted via a third device, whichmay be part of BAN 102, LAN 104, and/or WAN 106. One or more componentsof LAN 104 or WAN 106 may form part of BAN 102. In certainimplementations, whether a device, such as portable device 112, is partof BAN 102, LAN 104, and/or WAN 106, may depend on the athlete'sproximity to an access point to permit communication with mobilecellular network architecture 108 and/or WAN architecture 110. Useractivity and/or preference may also influence whether one or morecomponents are utilized as part of BAN 102. Example embodiments areprovided below.

User 124 may be associated with (e.g., possess, carry, wear, and/orinteract with) any number of devices, such as portable device 112,shoe-mounted device 126, wrist-worn device 128 and/or a sensinglocation, such as sensing location 130, which may comprise a physicaldevice or a location that is used to collect information. One or moredevices 112, 126, 128, and/or 130 may not be specially designed forfitness or athletic purposes. Indeed, aspects of this disclosure relateto utilizing data from a plurality of devices, some of which are notfitness devices, to collect, detect, and/or measure athletic data. Incertain embodiments, one or more devices of BAN 102 (or any othernetwork) may comprise a fitness or sporting device that is specificallydesigned for a particular sporting use. As used herein, the term“sporting device” includes any physical object that may be used orimplicated during a specific sport or fitness activity. Exemplarysporting devices may include, but are not limited to: golf balls,basketballs, baseballs, soccer balls, footballs, powerballs, hockeypucks, weights, bats, clubs, sticks, paddles, mats, and combinationsthereof. In further embodiments, exemplary fitness devices may includeobjects within a sporting environment where a specific sport occurs,including the environment itself, such as a goal net, hoop, backboard,portions of a field, such as a midline, outer boundary marker, base, andcombinations thereof.

In this regard, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one ormore sporting devices may also be part of (or form) a structure andvice-versa, a structure may comprise one or more sporting devices or beconfigured to interact with a sporting device. For example, a firststructure may comprise a basketball hoop and a backboard, which may beremovable and replaced with a goal post. In this regard, one or moresporting devices may comprise one or more sensors, such as one or moreof the sensors discussed above in relation to FIGS. 1-3, that mayprovide information utilized, either independently or in conjunctionwith other sensors, such as one or more sensors associated with one ormore structures. For example, a backboard may comprise a first sensorconfigured to measure a force and a direction of the force by abasketball upon the backboard and the hoop may comprise a second sensorto detect a force. Similarly, a golf club may comprise a first sensorconfigured to detect grip attributes on the shaft and a second sensorconfigured to measure impact with a golf ball.

Looking to the illustrative portable device 112, it may be amulti-purpose electronic device, that for example, includes a telephoneor digital music player, including an IPOD®, IPAD®, or iPhone®, branddevices available from Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. or Zune® orMicrosoft® Windows devices available from Microsoft of Redmond, Wash. Asknown in the art, digital media players can serve as an output device,input device, and/or storage device for a computer. Device 112 may beconfigured as an input device for receiving raw or processed datacollected from one or more devices in BAN 102, LAN 104, or WAN 106. Inone or more embodiments, portable device 112 may comprise one or morecomponents of computer device 114. For example, portable device 112 maybe include a display 116, image-capturing device 118, and/or one or moredata acquisition devices, such as any of the I/O devices 116-122discussed above, with or without additional components, so as tocomprise a mobile terminal.

a. Illustrative Apparel/Accessory Sensors

In certain embodiments, I/O devices may be formed within or otherwiseassociated with user's 124 clothing or accessories, including a watch,armband, wristband, necklace, shirt, shoe, or the like. These devicesmay be configured to monitor athletic movements of a user. It is to beunderstood that they may detect athletic movement during user's 124interactions with computer device 114 and/or operate independently ofcomputer device 114 (or any other device disclosed herein). For example,one or more devices in BAN 102 may be configured to function as anall-day activity monitor that measures activity regardless of the user'sproximity or interactions with computer device 114. It is to be furtherunderstood that the sensory system 302 shown in FIG. 3 and the deviceassembly 400 shown in FIG. 4, each of which are described in thefollowing paragraphs, are merely illustrative examples.

i. Shoe-Mounted Device

In certain embodiments, device 126 shown in FIG. 1, may comprisefootwear which may include one or more sensors, including but notlimited to those disclosed herein and/or known in the art. FIG. 3illustrates one example embodiment of a sensor system 302 providing oneor more sensor assemblies 304. Assembly 304 may comprise one or moresensors, such as for example, an accelerometer, gyroscope,location-determining components, force sensors and/or or any othersensor disclosed herein or known in the art. In the illustratedembodiment, assembly 304 incorporates a plurality of sensors, which mayinclude force-sensitive resistor (FSR) sensors 306; however, othersensor(s) may be utilized. Port 308 may be positioned within a solestructure 309 of a shoe, and is generally configured for communicationwith one or more electronic devices. Port 308 may optionally be providedto be in communication with an electronic module 310, and the solestructure 309 may optionally include a housing 311 or other structure toreceive the module 310. The sensor system 302 may also include aplurality of leads 312 connecting the FSR sensors 306 to the port 308,to enable communication with the module 310 and/or another electronicdevice through the port 308. Module 310 may be contained within a wellor cavity in a sole structure of a shoe, and the housing 311 may bepositioned within the well or cavity. In one embodiment, at least onegyroscope and at least one accelerometer are provided within a singlehousing, such as module 310 and/or housing 311. In at least a furtherembodiment, one or more sensors are provided that, when operational, areconfigured to provide directional information and angular rate data. Theport 308 and the module 310 include complementary interfaces 314, 316for connection and communication.

In certain embodiments, at least one force-sensitive resistor 306 shownin FIG. 3 may contain first and second electrodes or electrical contacts318, 320 and a force-sensitive resistive material 322 disposed betweenthe electrodes 318, 320 to electrically connect the electrodes 318, 320together. When pressure is applied to the force-sensitive material 322,the resistivity and/or conductivity of the force-sensitive material 322changes, which changes the electrical potential between the electrodes318, 320. The change in resistance can be detected by the sensor system302 to detect the force applied on the sensor 316. The force-sensitiveresistive material 322 may change its resistance under pressure in avariety of ways. For example, the force-sensitive material 322 may havean internal resistance that decreases when the material is compressed.Further embodiments may utilize “volume-based resistance”, which may beimplemented through “smart materials.” As another example, the material322 may change the resistance by changing the degree ofsurface-to-surface contact, such as between two pieces of the forcesensitive material 322 or between the force sensitive material 322 andone or both electrodes 318, 320. In some circumstances, this type offorce-sensitive resistive behavior may be described as “contact-basedresistance.”

ii. Wrist-Worn Device

As shown in FIG. 4, device 400 (which may resemble or comprise sensorydevice 128 shown in FIG. 1), may be configured to be worn by user 124,such as around a wrist, arm, ankle, neck or the like. Device 400 mayinclude an input mechanism, such as a depressible input button 402configured to be used during operation of the device 400. The inputbutton 402 may be operably connected to a controller 404 and/or anyother electronic components, such as one or more of the elementsdiscussed in relation to computer device 114 shown in FIG. 1. Controller404 may be embedded or otherwise part of housing 406. Housing 406 may beformed of one or more materials, including elastomeric components andcomprise one or more displays, such as display 408. The display may beconsidered an illuminable portion of the device 400. The display 408 mayinclude a series of individual lighting elements or light members suchas LED lights 410. The lights may be formed in an array and operablyconnected to the controller 404. Device 400 may include an indicatorsystem 412, which may also be considered a portion or component of theoverall display 408. Indicator system 412 can operate and illuminate inconjunction with the display 408 (which may have pixel member 414) orcompletely separate from the display 408. The indicator system 412 mayalso include a plurality of additional lighting elements or lightmembers, which may also take the form of LED lights in an exemplaryembodiment. In certain embodiments, indicator system may provide avisual indication of goals, such as by illuminating a portion oflighting members of indicator system 412 to represent accomplishmenttowards one or more goals. Device 400 may be configured to display dataexpressed in terms of activity points or currency earned by the userbased on the activity of the user, either through display 408 and/orindicator system 412.

A fastening mechanism 416 can be disengaged wherein the device 400 canbe positioned around a wrist or portion of the user 124 and thefastening mechanism 416 can be subsequently placed in an engagedposition. In one embodiment, fastening mechanism 416 may comprise aninterface, including but not limited to a USB port, for operativeinteraction with computer device 114 and/or devices, such as devices 120and/or 112. In certain embodiments, fastening member may comprise one ormore magnets. In one embodiment, fastening member may be devoid ofmoving parts and rely entirely on magnetic forces.

In certain embodiments, device 400 may comprise a sensor assembly (notshown in FIG. 4). The sensor assembly may comprise a plurality ofdifferent sensors, including those disclosed herein and/or known in theart. In an example embodiment, the sensor assembly may comprise orpermit operative connection to any sensor disclosed herein or known inthe art. Device 400 and or its sensor assembly may be configured toreceive data obtained from one or more external sensors.

iii. Apparel and/or Body Location Sensing

Element 130 of FIG. 1 shows an example sensory location which may beassociated with a physical apparatus, such as a sensor, data acquisitionunit, or other device. Yet in other embodiments, it may be a specificlocation of a body portion or region that is monitored, such as via animage capturing device (e.g., image capturing device 118). In certainembodiments, element 130 may comprise a sensor, such that elements 130 aand 130 b may be sensors integrated into apparel, such as athleticclothing. Such sensors may be placed at any desired location of the bodyof user 124. Sensors 130 a/b may communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with oneor more devices (including other sensors) of BAN 102, LAN 104, and/orWAN 106. In certain embodiments, passive sensing surfaces may reflectwaveforms, such as infrared light, emitted by image-capturing device 118and/or sensor 120. In one embodiment, passive sensors located on user's124 apparel may comprise generally spherical structures made of glass orother transparent or translucent surfaces which may reflect waveforms.Different classes of apparel may be utilized in which a given class ofapparel has specific sensors configured to be located proximate to aspecific portion of the user's 124 body when properly worn. For example,golf apparel may include one or more sensors positioned on the apparelin a first configuration and yet soccer apparel may include one or moresensors positioned on apparel in a second configuration.

FIG. 5 shows illustrative locations for sensory input (see, e.g.,sensory locations 130 a-130 o). In this regard, sensors may be physicalsensors located on/in a user's clothing, yet in other embodiments,sensor locations 130 a-130 o may be based upon identification ofrelationships between two moving body parts. For example, sensorlocation 130 a may be determined by identifying motions of user 124 withan image-capturing device, such as image-capturing device 118. Thus, incertain embodiments, a sensor may not physically be located at aspecific location (such as one or more of sensor locations 130 a-130 o),but is configured to sense properties of that location, such as withimage-capturing device 118 or other sensor data gathered from otherlocations. In this regard, the overall shape or portion of a user's bodymay permit identification of certain body parts. Regardless of whetheran image-capturing device is utilized and/or a physical sensor locatedon the user 124, and/or using data from other devices, (such as sensorysystem 302), device assembly 400 and/or any other device or sensordisclosed herein or known in the art is utilized, the sensors may sensea current location of a body part and/or track movement of the bodypart. In one embodiment, sensory data relating to location 130 m may beutilized in a determination of the user's center of gravity (a.k.a,center of mass). For example, relationships between location 130 a andlocation(s) 130 f/130 l with respect to one or more of location(s) 130m-130 o may be utilized to determine if a user's center of gravity hasbeen elevated along the vertical axis (such as during a jump) or if auser is attempting to “fake” a jump by bending and flexing their knees.In one embodiment, sensor location 1306 n may be located at about thesternum of user 124. Likewise, sensor location 130 o may be locatedapproximate to the naval of user 124. In certain embodiments, data fromsensor locations 130 m-130 o may be utilized (alone or in combinationwith other data) to determine the center of gravity for user 124. Infurther embodiments, relationships between multiple sensor locations,such as sensors 130 m-130 o, may be utilized in determining orientationof the user 124 and/or rotational forces, such as twisting of user's 124torso. Further, one or more locations, such as location(s), may beutilized as (or approximate) a center of moment location. For example,in one embodiment, one or more of location(s) 130 m-130 o may serve as apoint for a center of moment location of user 124. In anotherembodiment, one or more locations may serve as a center of moment ofspecific body parts or regions.

II. Athletic Band with Removable Module

Aspects of this disclosure relate to a system that may measure one ormore attributes (e.g., physiological, biomedical, athletic, with theunderstanding that these may be overlapping examples) of a user duringphysical movements. In one embodiment, systems and methods may measureone or more attributes of a user while performing intense physicalexercise or movements. For example, users may be participating inprofessional sporting activities, including but not limited to: Americanfootball, football, basketball, swimming, or a combination thereof. Inone embodiment, systems and methods may consistently providemeasurements from a user during exercises in which the systemexperiences impact forces and/or acceleration magnitudes commonlyencountered during intensive activity, such as engaging in professionalsports.

Certain aspects relate to a modular system that may firmly retain orotherwise hold at least one sensor against a user's skin during intensephysical activities. In one embodiment, the system may be configured toretain a heart rate sensor against a user's skin during the intensephysical activity in a manner that allows accurate readings during theactivity. The band may further secure at least one sensor against theskin and allow for less than 1 mm of movement of the sensor with respectto the user's skin during the athletic activity or during movementscommonly associated with the average forces and/or accelerationmagnitudes of the specific athletic activity. In yet another embodiment,the band may be configured such that a removable sensor moves less than0.5 mm with respect to the surface of the user's skin during theathletic activity. The system may comprise a band 920 configured to besecured against the user's skin or clothing. In one embodiment, the bandis configured to be an armband, however, may be configured as awristband, waistband, or other configuration. In one embodiment, theband 920 is configured to be worn between the user's elbow and wrist. Inanother embodiment, the band is configured to be worn in a locationbetween the elbow and the shoulder.

Band 920 may be any suitable article of apparel that can be attached tothe body such as, but not limited to, bands such as armbands,wristbands, leg bands, and belts. In addition, the article of apparelmay be any suitable article of apparel that can be worn on the body suchas shirts, jackets, coats, sweatshirts, vests, shorts, and pants, andvarious other articles of clothing.

In one embodiment, the band 920 may be configured without fastenersconfigured to retain the band around the arm. In one embodiment, theband may exhibit a modulus of elasticity that allows the band to beretained around an appendage of the user (e.g., arm) in a manner thatfasteners are not required to secure the band 920 to the appendage toobtain accurate sensor readings during the activity, which may beintense athletic activity. In yet another embodiment, fasteners may beutilized to connect at least a portion or portions of the band togetherfor attachment to the appendage. Any suitable fasteners may be used suchas Velcro, snaps, buttons, buckles, and zippers as is within the skillof the art.

In another aspect of the invention, as shown in the figures herein, awrist band or armband may be a continuous tubular band made of anelastic material that can be pulled onto the wrist or arm. As discussedbelow, a pocket (e.g., pocket 940) may be attached to, or formedintegrally with, the band 920. As further discussed below, band 920 maybe configured to comprise a “pocket” configured to retain an electronicmodule. In this regard, the band may form a seal or other surface arounda portion of the user's skin in a manner that distributes forces suchthat at least a portion of the band 920 is held against the user's skinwith a less force per unit area compared to any surface of an electronicmodule 930 held in the pocket 940 is pressed against the skin when theuser is wearing the band 920. Band 920 may further be configured suchthat a certain portion of ambient light is blocked from contacting theuser's skin under the band 920. In this regard, band 920 may block lightin one or more specific regions and/or over the entire area covered bythe band during normal use. In one embodiment, at least 75% of ambientlight is blocked from reaching the area of the band immediate proximateto where a sensor extends from an aperture of the band and contacts thesurface of the user's skin.

Generally, the device includes a band 920 configured to be worn by orotherwise attached to the body of a user and a module 930 configured tobe connected to the band 920, in order to be worn by or otherwiseattached to the user. The band 920 may be an armband in one embodiment,as illustrated in FIGS. 11-12, which is configured to be worn on theupper forearm of the user, just below the elbow. FIGS. 39A-B alsoillustrate embodiments similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 11-12. Theband 920 in this embodiment includes a tubular body 921 defining acentral passage 922, such that the user's arm is received through thepassage 922 and the tubular body 921 wraps around the arm. The tubularbody 921 is somewhat frusto-conical in shape in the embodiment shown,with a wider top end 923 configured to be positioned closer to theelbow, and an opposite narrower bottom end 924 configured to bepositioned closer to the wrist, where the arm is typically smaller. Thefrusto-conical shape of the tubular body 921 may assist in resistingslipping of the band 920 when worn on the user's forearm duringactivity. Without being bound to a particular theory, evidence indicatesthat the tendency of the band 920 to slip decreases with a decrease inthe proportional difference between the size of the top end 923 and thesize of the bottom end 924 (e.g., the “slope” of a cross-section of thetubular body 921). FIG. 96 illustrates how the slope of an edge 994 ofthe tubular body 921 can be determined, with respect to the Axis X. Inother words, the closer the size of the bottom end 924 is relative tothe top end 923, the less likely slippage is to occur (within limits).Evidence also indicates that larger-size bands 920 are more likely toslip than smaller-size bands 920. Accordingly, larger-size bands 920 maybe provided with a smaller difference between the diameter of the topend 923 and the bottom end 924 relative to that of smaller-size bands920 in one embodiment, in order to reduce slippage in the larger-sizebands 920.

Various different “slopes” defined on the tubular body 921 may berelevant to the degree of slippage of the band 920. FIG. 96 illustratesmultiple different slopes that may be calculated relative to the Axis X,which is perpendicular to the top and bottom ends 923, 924, using areference point Height H in the calculation of the slopes. The Height Hrepresents a circumferential line that is parallel to the ends 923, 924of the band 920 and is positioned approximately 70% of the distancebetween the bottom end 924 and the top end 923, i.e., the approximatelocation of the sensor 932 when the module 930 is positioned within thehousing 963. It is understood that reference point Height H may belocated differently if the band 920 is configured differently, in orderto create a different sensor 932 position. It has been found that theoverall slope of the tubular body 921 and the Slope B (between thebottom end 924 and the Height H) have the greatest effect on slippage,and as these slopes approach zero, the reported incidence of slippage isreduced. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 96, the Slope A and Slope B areequal to each other, and are also equal to the overall slope of thetubular body 921. In other embodiments, Slope A and Slope B may bedifferent from each other, and one or both of Slope A and Slope B may bedifferent from the overall slope of the tubular body 921. It isunderstood that any of these slopes may be an “average” slope, and thatthe tubular body 921 may have a curvilinear or other non-linear edgeprofile.

As stated above, the overall slope of the tubular body 921 may affectthe fit and slippage probability of the band 920. The overall (average)slope of the tubular body 921 may be calculated by drawing a straightvirtual line between the intersection point of the Axis X and the topend 923 of the band 920 and the end point of the bottom end 924 of theband 920, as shown in FIG. 96A. A short-hand way to perform thiscalculation is to use the difference in circumference or diameterbetween any two points along the height of the tubular body 921 (e.g.,between the top end 923 and the bottom end 924) to determine the slope.This virtual line may be considered to be the combination of the linesSlope A and Slope B in FIG. 96, although Slope A and Slope B may bedifferent from each other in other embodiments. Slope A or Slope B mayalso affect the fit and slippage probability of the band 920, and theseslopes may be calculated as averages in the same manner described abovewith respect to the overall slope of the tubular body 921. In oneembodiment, the overall slope of the tubular body 921, the Slope A,and/or the Slope B may be from 0-0.75, or about 0.65. In anotherembodiment, the overall slope of the tubular body 921, the Slope A,and/or the Slope B may be from 0-0.5, or about 0.4. In a furtherembodiment, the overall slope of the tubular body 921, the Slope A,and/or the Slope B may be from 0-0.3, or from 0-0.15. For smaller sizesof bands 920 (e.g., maximum diameter of 200 mm or below), the overallslope of the tubular body 921, the Slope A, and/or the Slope B may becloser to zero than for larger sizes. It is understood that if theoverall slope of the tubular body 921 is zero, the dimensions of the topand bottom ends 923, 924 may be equal or approximately equal, such thatthe top end 923 is not wider than the bottom end 924.

In another embodiment, a similarly structured band 920 may be configuredto be worn elsewhere on the body. For example, the band 920 may beconfigured to be worn elsewhere on the arm, such as on the upper arm,the wrist, the hand, etc. As another example, the band 920 may beconfigured to be wrap around a different body part of the user, such asvarious locations on the leg, neck, torso, head, etc. It is understoodthat the dimensions and contours of the band 920 may be adjusted forwrapping around different body parts.

In one embodiment, the band 920 may be formed of a flexible, elasticmaterial that can stretch to allow the user to comfortably wear the band920 and to place the band 920 on and off of the user's body, e.g., anelastic fabric. The band 920 may be made from two or more layers ofmaterial that are joined together, and which may be part of a singlepiece folded over to create multiple layers. FIGS. 11-12 illustrate oneembodiment of the band 920, and FIGS. 14-17, 39A-B, and 68-70Cillustrate similar embodiments with some different features, asdescribed herein.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11-17 and 39A-B, the band 920 is madefrom a piece of fabric that is folded over onto itself to form twolayers and joined by adhesive applied between the two layers. Theadhesive may be formed into a pattern in some embodiments, which may bevisible in the finished product, creating a distinct visual appearance.The adhesive pattern may also be functional, such as in controlling themaximum degree of stretching of the band 920, controlling the locationsof stretching or other deformation of the band 920, enhancing thedurability of the band 920, and/or other functions. As shown in FIGS.12, 14, and 39A-B, the adhesive is applied in a plurality of lines 925extending in the axial direction (i.e., between the ends 923, 924) alongthe band 920 and spaced circumferentially from each other. In theseconfigurations, radial stretching of the band 920 occurs between thelines 925, and the adhesive lines 925 provide low-stretch areas. Thebands 920 in FIGS. 12, 14, and 39A-B have broken or discontinuousadhesive lines 925 (i.e., line segments), having one or more gaps 926along each line 925. Additionally, the gaps 926 of each line 925 in thisembodiment are offset or staggered from the gaps 926 of the adjacentlines 925. In another embodiment, the band 920 may have solid adhesivelines 925 (which may be straight and/or curved), such as in FIGS. 40A-B,or one or more solid blocks of adhesive. The configurations of theadhesive lines 925 in FIGS. 12, 14, 39A-B, and 40A-B provides severaladvantages. First, the lines 925 extending axially allows most of theradial stretching of the band to occur between the lines 925, so thatthe modulus or elastic response of the elastic material of the band 920controls the amount of stretching. Additionally, the lines 925 extendingaxially permits the adhesive of the lines 925 to have a more significantinfluence on the modulus or elastic response of the band 920 in theaxial direction, thus limiting the amount of axial stretching thatoccurs. This is beneficial to avoid excess stretching as the band 920 ispulled onto the user's body (e.g., forearm), so that the band 920 slidesas desired, rather than wasting user-exerted energy by stretching theband. The “offset” of the gaps 926 also helps limit axial stretching.Further, the intermittent application of the adhesive lines 925 providesgreater breathability, as the fabric of the band material is typicallymore breathable than the adhesive. In another embodiment, the band 920is made from a piece of fabric that is folded over onto itself to formtwo layers and joined around the ends 923, 924, such as by adhesive,stitching, etc.

The band 920 is generally configured to hold an electronic module 930,which may be removable from the band 920. In one embodiment, the band920 has a pocket 940 defining a cavity 941 configured to receive themodule 930 in a removable configuration. In one embodiment, asillustrated in FIGS. 11-12, the pocket 940 is accessible from an innersurface 927 of the band 920 that is configured to confront and/orcontact the user's body. FIGS. 36-38 illustrate components of the pocket940 as well. In this configuration, the pocket 940 has an access opening942 defined on the inner side 927 of the band 920, and the module 930can be inserted and removed through the opening 942. The band 920 may beflipped inside-out in order to facilitate this access. The pocket 940 ineach embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-17 and 36-39A-B has an outer wall 943that forms part of the outer surface 928 of the band 920 and an innerwall 944 that forms part of the inner surface 927 of the band 920, withthe cavity 941 defined between the walls 943, 944. These walls 943, 944are at least somewhat flexible in one embodiment, and may be made of asingle layer and/or piece or multiple layers and/or pieces. In otherembodiments, the walls 943, 944 may be rigid, and may be made of thesame material or a different material as other portions of the band 920.The access opening 942 is defined within the inner wall 944 at one endof the cavity 941 in the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14 and 36-39A-B, suchthat the module 930 is inserted by inserting one end of the module 930(the USB connector 135 in one embodiment) into the opening 942 and thenpushing the rest of the module 930 through the opening 942 and into thecavity 941.

FIGS. 39A-B illustrate embodiments of the band 920 with the module 930inserted into the pocket 940. In FIG. 39A, the pocket 940 is configuredfor insertion of the module 930 with the light 934 and the button 933positioned nearer the top end 923 of the band 920 (i.e., nearer theuser's elbow) and the connector 935 positioned nearer the bottom end 924of the band 920 (i.e., nearer the user's wrist). This is similar to theconfiguration of FIG. 14. In FIG. 39B, the pocket 940 is configured forinsertion of the module 930 with the light 934 and the button 933positioned nearer the bottom end 924 of the band 920 (i.e., nearer theuser's wrist) and the connector 935 positioned nearer the top end 923 ofthe band 920 (i.e., nearer the user's elbow). This is similar to theconfiguration of FIGS. 11-12. It is understood that the access opening942 (not shown in FIGS. 39A-B) may be located near the top end 923 inFIG. 39A and near the bottom end 924 in FIG. 39B. The configuration inFIG. 39B may provide greater ergonomics and ease of use. For example,viewing the light 934 and pushing the button 933 may require lessmovement and more natural movement when these components are locatednearer the wrist. Also, the force of pushing the button 933 compressesthe user's arm, and if the button 933 is nearer the wrist where the boneis closer to the skin, there is less soft tissue that can compress underthe force of the button pushing. In the configuration of FIG. 39B, theprotective shell 948 (described below) protects the connector 935, as itis located in an area where users may grip to pull the band 920 on thearm.

FIGS. 13A-B illustrate another configuration for inserting the module930 into a pocket 940 with an access opening 942 on the inner surface927 of the band 920.

The pocket 940 may also include one or more sensor openings 945configured to permit the sensor(s) 932 of the module 930 an unimpededpath to sense the user's body directly, such as by contacting the user'sbody (e.g., a heart rate sensor) or otherwise interacting directly withthe user's body (e.g., an optical, heat, or other radiation-basedsensor). In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 36-38, the pocket 940has a single sensor opening 945 on the inner wall 944 that is separatefrom the access opening 942. In other embodiments, the sensor opening945 may be contiguous with the access opening 942, such that only asingle opening is defined in the inner wall 944, and/or the pocket 940may have multiple sensor openings 945. One example of this configurationis illustrated in FIGS. 68-70C and 78-82.

The outer wall 943 of the pocket is configured to cover the module 930,and may be configured to permit reading and/or manipulation of themodule through the outer wall 943. For example, the outer wall 943 mayinclude one or more windows 946 to permit viewing of a display of themodule 930. Such a window 946 may be an opening in the outer wall 943 ora transparent or translucent portion that allows viewing of a light orlighted display therethrough. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11-1439A-B, and 68-70C, the outer wall 943 has a window 946 to permit viewingof a single light, and may additionally or alternately have one or morewindows 946 configured to permit viewing of a plurality of LEDs on themodule 930 (i.e., a readable display). It is understood that the pocket940 may have one or more windows 946 configured to be complementary withthe structure of the module 930.

As another example, the outer wall 943 may have one or more buttonportions 947 that are configured to allow manipulation of one or morebuttons 933 of the module 930 through the outer wall 943. It isunderstood that “buttons” may include mechanical/electrical buttons, atouch-screen interface, or other manually operable components. Thebutton portion 947 may simply be a flexible portion of the outer wall943 that permits the user to press the button portion 947 to activatethe button 933 of the module 930, as shown in FIGS. 11-14. The outerwall 943 may further have one or more flex zones (not shown) to controlflexing of the outer wall 943 and/or portions of the band 920, such as aconcave or indented portion having greater flexibility. In anotherembodiment, the button portion 947 may have a button mechanism (ormechanisms) that actuates the button(s) 933 of the module 930. In afurther embodiment, the button portion 947 may double as a window 946,such as if the module 930 has a button with a light on it (see FIG. 42)or if the module 930 has a lighted touch-screen display. The outer wall943 may further have indicia 947A, such as indications of thelocation(s) of the button(s) 933 on the module 930, logos, instructions,etc.

The pocket 940 may further include a protective shell 948 within thecavity 941 to protect at least a portion of the module 930. The shell948 may be formed of a rigid material, such as a rigid plastic or fiberreinforced polymer (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane), a metallicmaterial, or other material. In the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14, the walls943, 944 of the pocket 940 are flexible, and the shell 948 is receivedwithin the cavity 941 and positioned at the end opposite the accessopening 942. In this configuration, the shell 948 receives and protectsthe USB connector 935 of the module 930. The shell 948 may further havestructure to retain the module 930 once the module 930 is inserted, suchas a friction fit configuration, complementary interlocking structurewith the module 930, etc. The shell 948 may also have structures thatproduce audible and/or tactile indications when the module 930 is fullyinserted, in order to indicate to the user that the module 930 is fullyinserted. These audible/tactile indications may be used with or withoutthe locking structure, and may interact with the connector 935. Theshell 948 may be retained within the pocket 940 by adhesive or otherbonding material, friction fit, various mechanical connectiontechniques, etc. In other embodiments, the shell 948 may cover a greateror smaller proportion of the module 930, or the pocket 940 may have noshell at all. FIG. 16 also illustrates a protective shell 948 in oneconfiguration.

In other embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. 15A-17, the band 920 may havethe access opening 942 on the exterior of the band 920. For example,FIG. 15A illustrates an embodiment where the access opening 942 isexposed on the outer surface 928 of the band 920, and the module 930 canbe inserted through the access opening 942 into the cavity 941. Themodule 930 in this embodiment is inserted similarly to the techniquedescribed above, by inserting the end of the module 930 first throughthe opening 942. As another example, FIG. 15B illustrates an embodimentwhere the access opening 942 is much larger and is nearly the same sizeas the cavity 941. In this embodiment, the entire module 930 is pusheddownward into the cavity 941 through the opening 942, and then asecuring member 949 is used to secure the module 930 within the pocket940. The securing member 949 in this embodiment is a strap with areleasable connection, such as hook-and-loop material, a mechanicalfastener (e.g., a snap or button), or other releasable connection. Inother embodiments, the securing member 949 may have a differentconfiguration, such as a cap, a flap, a tab, or other structure. FIG. 16illustrates cross-sections of both of these embodiments. FIG. 17illustrates an embodiment where the module 930 is inserted similarly tothe embodiment of FIG. 15A.

The band 920 may be assembled by using a heat press operation, withheat-activated films bonding the pieces of the band 920 together. FIGS.18-38 illustrate one embodiment of a method of assembly/manufacturing ofthe band 920. In this embodiment, a main body piece 950 is formed (e.g.,cut) from an elastic fabric material, as shown in FIG. 18, with foldlines indicated by broken lines. The main body piece 950 has a firsthole 950A for the opening 942, a second hole 950B for the sensor opening945, and a third hole 950C forming part of a window 946. The centralfold line divides the main body piece 950 into an inner portion 950Dforming the inner surface 927 of the band 920 and an outer portion 950Eforming the outer surface 928 of the band 920. FIG. 19 illustrates amain bonding panel 951 of heat-activated film or adhesive film (referredto as a “bonding material”), with the lines 925 and gaps 926 formedthereon by etching or cutting. FIGS. 40A-B illustrate alternateembodiments of the main bonding panel 951 and the resultant band 920.FIGS. 20-21 illustrate an outer pocket interior piece 952 with a lighthole 952A forming part of a window 946 and an interior pocket edgebonding piece 953 with a hole 953A for the opening 942, both of whichare made from a bonding material. FIGS. 22-23 illustrate an inner pockettrim and outer pocket structure piece 954 and an inner pocket structurepiece 955, both of which are made from a fabric material with a bondingmaterial backing. The inner pocket trim and outer pocket structure piece954 has a light hole 954A and a tongue 954B that is cut out of themiddle thereof. FIGS. 24-25 both illustrate alternate embodiments of theinner pocket trim and outer pocket structure piece 954. FIG. 24illustrates a piece 954 that has an adhesive or bonding material 954Cpositioned on the tongue 954B for bonding to the shell 948 within thepocket 940. FIG. 25 illustrates a piece 954 that has a differentlylocated light hole. The inner pocket structure piece 955 has a firsthole 955A for the opening 942 and a second hole 955B for the sensoropening 945. FIGS. 26-27 illustrate an outer pocket trim piece 956 and apocket edge trim piece 957, both of which are made from a fabricmaterial with a bonding material backing. FIG. 28 illustrates a graphicspiece 958, which may include a logo 958A or other indicia 958B, as wellas optionally a light hole which may form part of a window 946. Thegraphics piece 958 may be made from a heat-activatable material. FIG. 29illustrates a frame piece 959 that may be placed around the holes 950B,955B for the sensor opening 945, which may be made from a polycarbonatematerial. FIG. 30 illustrates the bonding material 954C for the shell948, as also shown in FIG. 24. It is understood that the various piecesof bonding material described herein, including pieces 951, 952, 953,etc., may be made from the same or different bonding materials, and mayhave the same or different thicknesses and/or functional properties. Itis also understood that the broken lines in FIGS. 20-25 indicate cutlines that are made after the pieces are placed in position on the band920 during assembly.

Assembly of these components may be performed using a heat press, whichseals the bonding material. The assembly starts with the main bondingpanel 950, as shown in FIG. 31. In FIG. 32, the outer pocket interiorpiece 952 is placed on the outer portion 950E of the main body panel 950and the inner pocket structure piece 955 is placed on the inner portion950D main body panel 950, and a slight tackiness of the bonding materialmay retain these places in place. The frame piece 959 may additionallybe placed around the opening 955B in the inner pocket structure piece955 to protect and reinforce the sensor opening 945 after assembly. Inanother embodiment, the frame piece 959 may be replace by an adhesiverimming. In FIG. 33, the main bonding panel 951 is applied to the outerportion 950E of the main body piece 950, and may be retained bytackiness. As alternately shown in FIG. 35, the main bonding panel 951may be applied to the inner portion 950D of the main body piece 950. Themain bonding panel 951 may be applied to the main body piece 950 andthen removed to leave only the lines 925 of bonding material defined bythe etching/cutting. As shown in FIG. 34, the interior pocket edgebonding piece 953 is placed on the inner portion 950D of the main bodypiece 950, with the hole 953A properly located where the display of themodule 930 may be. A strip 960 of bonding material is then placed acrossthe edge of the outer portion 950E of the main body piece, which bondsthe edges of the inner and outer sides 950D-E together after folding. InFIG. 36, the main body piece 950 is folded over so that the inner andouter portions 950D-E confront each other and can be bonded together bythe main bonding panel 951 and the strip 960. FIG. 36 illustrates boththe inner portion 950D and the outer portion 950E, now on oppositesurfaces of the main body piece 950. Outer portions of the main bodypiece 950 may be cut away and/or folded inwardly to make the final shapeof the band 920 in this step, as well.

In FIG. 37, the inner pocket trim and outer pocket structure piece 954is placed on the inner portion 950D, so that the piece 954 is on theouter surface and the tongue 954B extends through the opening 942 andinto the cavity 941, between the inner and outer portions 950D-E of themain body piece 950. The outer pocket trim piece 956 is placed on theouter portion 950E, as also shown in FIG. 37. The pocket edge trim piece957 is placed along an edge of the access opening 942, as further shownin FIG. 37, such that the piece 957 folds over the edge. After thispoint in assembly, the pieces are heat-pressed by using aspecially-designed mold. One embodiment of the mold 970 includes a firstmold plate or piece 971 in contact with the inner portion 950D and asecond mold plate or piece 972 in contact with the outer portion 950E,where the plates 971, 972 are pressed together to heat-press theassembly and mold the pocket 940, as described in greater detail belowand shown in FIGS. 64-67. A plug is inserted through the opening 942during the heat pressing, to form the inner shape of the pocket 940.During the heat pressing, the bonding materials are heat-activated tobond the adjacent surfaces together, and may add some local rigidity tothe structure as well. This local rigidity is particularly advantageousfor retaining the shape of the pocket 940 and for limiting axialstretching as described elsewhere herein. In this configuration, theassembled pieces 950, 952, 953, 954, 955, 956, 957 define the pocket940, the cavity 941, the access opening 942, and the sensor opening 945.The inner portion 950D of the main body piece 950 combines with otherpieces (e.g., the inner pocket structure piece 955) to define the innerwall 944, and the outer portion 950E combines with other pieces (e.g.,the outer pocket interior piece 952 and the tongue 954B) to define theouter wall 943.

FIGS. 64-67 illustrate an example embodiment of a mold 970 that can beused to manufacture the band 920 using the components and techniquesdescribed herein and illustrated in FIGS. 18-40B. The mold 970 includestwo mold plates 971, 972 that are pressed together around the assembledinner and outer portions 950D-E as shown in FIG. 37, such that thesecomponents are received in a mold cavity 973 between the mold plates971, 972 in an assembled manner. In the configuration shown in FIGS.64-67, the first plate 971 contacts the inner portion 950D and thesecond plate 972 contacts the outer portion 950E. The mold plates 971,972 each have an enlarged portion 974 that creates a secondary cavity975 within the mold cavity 973, for molding the pocket 940. One or bothplates 971, 972 may include one or more holes 978 to permit gases toescape during molding. A plug 976 is inserted between the inner andouter portions 950D-E during the heat pressing, to form the inner shapeof the pocket 940, as shown in FIGS. 65-67. As illustrated in FIGS. 65and 67, the plug 976 includes a projection 977 that extends through thesensor opening 945 during the molding process. After the heat pressingis completed, the mold plates 971, 972 are separated, the plug 976 isremoved from the pocket 940 (such as through the opening 942), and theassembled band 920 is removed from the mold 970. Additionalmanufacturing steps may then be taken, as shown in FIG. 38. It isunderstood that the structure and configuration of the mold 970 and thecomponents thereof may be changed for bands 920 having different sizes,shapes, structures, etc.

After the complete, the assembly is removed from the mold, and the finalstructure of the band 920 is assembled as a flat piece, as shown in FIG.38. The protective shell 948 may be placed in position in the cavity 941after the heat pressing is complete, and may be connected by theadhesive or bonding material 954C in one embodiment. The graphics piece958 may be connected to the outer surface 928 of the band 920, such asby heat pressing, heat sealing, adhesive or other bonding material, etc.Additionally, a seam bonding strip 961 is placed along the edge wherethe folded ends of the inner and outer portions 950D-E meet, in order tocover the edges. A band closure trim strip 962 is used to bond the endsof the main body piece 950 together to form the tubular body 921. It isunderstood that the sides of the main body portion 950 may be cut ortrimmed to shape, such as an angular shape to create a “slope” of theband 920, before connection to form the tubular body 921. These strips961, 962 may be connected by heat pressing, heat sealing, adhesive orother bonding material, knitting/stitching, or other technique. Thisforms the final structure of the band 920 with the pocket 940 defined onthe inner surface 927. The strips 961, 962 may further form effectivelocations for gripping the band 920 to pull the band 920 onto the user'sarm, and in particular, the closure trim strip 962 may provide aneffective area, due to it having lower stretching capability than theother locations of the band 920. FIG. 39A illustrates the band 920constructed as shown in FIGS. 18-38 with the module 940 received in thepocket 940, and FIG. 39B illustrates a similar band 920, as describedelsewhere herein. It is understood that similar processes and componentsmay be used to form a band 920 with a different configuration, such asan opening 942 on the outer surface 928, a pocket 940 in a differentlocation or orientation, a differently configured band 920 for use on adifferent body part, etc. It is also understood that the componentsdescribed as being connected together herein may be connected by othertechniques in other embodiments, such as other types ofadhesives/bonding materials, mechanical fasteners,knitting/stitching/sewing, etc.

FIGS. 68-70C illustrate another embodiment of a band 920 that, incertain embodiments may include one or more components in common withthe bands 920 described elsewhere herein and shown, e.g., in FIGS. 11-17and 39A-B. By way of illustrating certain embodiments, reference numbersused in FIGS. 68-93 are consistent with the reference numbers used inconnection with FIGS. 1-67, unless otherwise noted below, and not allreference numbers may be described again with respect to FIGS. 68-93 forthe sake of brevity. FIG. 68 illustrates the outer side 928 of the band920, and FIG. 69 illustrates the inner side 927 of the band 920. Forexample, the band 920 has a pocket 940 configured for insertion of themodule 930 with the display 934 and the button 933 positioned nearer thebottom end 924 of the band 920 (i.e., nearer the user's wrist) and theconnector 935 positioned nearer the top end 923 of the band 920 (i.e.,nearer the user's elbow), similar to the configuration of FIG. 39B. Inanother embodiment, the pocket 940 may be arranged differently, such asan arrangement similar to the configuration of FIG. 39A. The module 930is not shown in FIGS. 68-70C. The outer wall 943 of the pocket has abutton portion 947 configured to interact with the button 933 on themodule 930 and a window 946 configured to permit viewing of the light934 through the outer wall 943. The pocket 940 has an opening 942 on theinner wall 944 that extends into the cavity 941 and is configured to actas both a sensor opening and access opening. In other words, the opening942 is large enough to permit insertion of the module 930 into thecavity 941 through the opening 942, and a portion of the opening 942permits the projection 939 of the module 930 to extend through to permitthe sensor(s) 932 to be in close proximity to the user's body.

The band 920 in FIGS. 68-70C utilizes a housing 963 that is formedseparately from the band 920 and is connected to the band 920 to formthe pocket 940. One embodiment of the housing 963 is shown in FIGS.74-75 and 78-82. The housing 963 may be made of a thermoplasticpolyurethane (TPU) material and is formed in a single piece (e.g., byinjection molding) in one embodiment, but may be partially or completelymade from other materials, multiple pieces, and/or other techniques inother embodiments. The housing 963 in this embodiment is a moderatelyrigid shell that completely defines the cavity 941 and defines theopening 942 on the inner wall 944 and the window 946 on the outer wall943. In one embodiment, the rigidity of the housing 963 may besufficiently rigid to protect the module 930, and sufficiently flexibleto permit manipulation of the button 933 by pressing on the buttonportion 947 of the band 920. The rigidity of the housing 963 may begreater than the rigidity of the fabric material forming the band 920.The housing 963 may also have a protrusion 987 on the outer wall 943 inone embodiment, to facilitate manipulation of the button 933 by thebutton portion 947 on the outer surface 928 of the band 920 and/or toenhance the “feel” of the button 933, as shown in FIG. 79. Theprotrusion 987 may lightly engage the button 933 or be in closeproximity to the button 933, so that manipulation of the button 933requires a small amount of movement/flexing of the adjacent portions ofthe housing 963. The embodiment of FIG. 79 has the protrusion 987 formedas a dome-shaped protrusion formed of an epoxy material applied to theinner surface of the outer wall 943. In other embodiments, theprotrusion may be formed differently, such as being integrally formed(e.g., molded) with the housing 963, or may be structured or locateddifferently. As shown in FIGS. 78-82, the housing 963 in the illustratedembodiment has a lip 964 that extends inwardly around the opening 942and functions to retain the module 930 within the pocket 940. Theopening 942 has a narrowed portion 965 that is configured to engage withthe projection 939 of the module 930 to hold the projection 939 inplace, and the lip 964 has recessed portions 966 located around thenarrowed portion 965, as shown in FIGS. 78, 80, and 82. The recessedportions 966 permit the projection 939 to extend farther outwardlyrelative to the lip 964, in order to have better access to the user'sskin. The housing 963 also has a wall 969 configured to form a pocketenclosing and holding the connector(s) 935 of the module 930.

In one embodiment, the housing 963 further has a flange 967 that extendsoutwardly around at least a portion of the periphery of the housing 963and is configured for connection to the band 920. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 74-75 and 78-82, the flange 967 extends generally in asingle plane around the entire periphery of the housing 963. In otherembodiments, the flange 967 may have a different configuration (e.g.,intermittent), or may not be present. Generally, the exterior surfacesof the housing 963 shown in FIGS. 74-75 and 78-82 are smoothlycontoured, both for aesthetics and for increased comfort when thehousing 963 engages the user's body.

The window 946 of the housing 963 may be an empty passage in oneembodiment, or may have a transparent filler in another embodiment, inorder to resist ingress of material from the outer surface 928 of theband 920. In further embodiments, the window 946 may include alight-scattering and/or light-collecting structure, to enhancetransmission of the light through the window 946, making light from thedisplay 934 appear brighter at the outer surface 928 of the band 920from a wide variety of angles. For example, the window 946 may include aclear silicon print aligned with the window 946 in one embodiment. Asanother example, the window 946 may have a silkscreen fabric or fineweave of material aligned with the window 946 in another embodiment. Asa further example, the window 946 may have a film connected over thewindow 946 in yet another embodiment, such as a polycarbonate film thatis connected by adhesive or sonic welding. It is understood that thesestructures may be located within the window 946 and/or positioned overthe inner and/or outer surfaces of the window 946, in variousembodiments. This may be particularly advantageous when used with ahousing 963 as shown in FIGS. 78-82, which may have a significant wallthickness between the display 934, which may make the light darker ormore difficult to detect from peripheral angles.

FIGS. 71-91 illustrate one embodiment of a set of components and amethod for manufacturing the band 920 as shown in FIGS. 68-70C, whichmay be made from a piece of fabric that is folded over onto itself toform two layers and joined by stitching and/or adhesive applied betweenthe two layers. It is understood that the band 920 may be made from twoor more separate pieces joined together in another embodiment. The band920 may use a heat press operation in assembly, with heat-activatedfilms bonding the pieces of the band 920 together. The embodiment of themethod shown in FIGS. 83-91 utilizes more localized heat pressing, anddoes not involve heat pressing the entire band 920 as in the method ofFIGS. 18-38 and 64-67. FIGS. 71-82 illustrate components that may beused in the method illustrated in FIGS. 83-91, which are described ingreater detail below with respect to FIGS. 83-91.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 71-91, a main body piece 950 is formed (e.g.,cut) from an fabric material with elastic properties (e.g., apolyethylene-based material), as shown in FIG. 83, with fold linesindicated by broken lines. Graphics 958 may be applied to the outersurface 928 of the band 920, such as by screen printing as shown in FIG.84, if desired. The main body piece 950 has a first hole 950A for thehousing 963 to extend through the band 920 and be accessible from theinner surface 927 of the band 920 and a second hole 950B aligned withand/or forming part of the window 946. The holes 950A-B may be formed inthe main body piece 950 by cutting or laser etching in one embodiment,as shown in FIG. 85, and may be formed before or after application ofthe graphics (if graphics are applied). The central fold line dividesthe main body piece 950 into a first or inner portion 950D forming theinner surface 927 of the band 920 and a second or outer portion 950Eforming the outer surface 928 of the band 920, and the main body piece950 has an inside surface 950F and an outside surface 950G (illustratedby shading in FIGS. 83-91. The outside surface 950G forms the inner andouter surfaces 927, 928 of the band 920 after assembly, and the insidesurface 950F is folded over on itself during manufacturing and forms noportion of the inner and outer surfaces 927, 928 of the band 920. It isunderstood that graphics 958 that are configured to be visible on theinner or outer surface 927, 928 of the band 920 may be applied to theoutside surface 950G of the main body piece 950.

As shown in FIG. 86, an frame bond 980 is applied around the first hole950A on the inside surface 950F of the first portion 950D and isconfigured for bonding to the flange 967 of the housing 963, and a lightalignment bond 981 is applied around the second hole 950B on the insidesurface 950F of the second portion 950E and is configured for bonding tothe housing 963 around the window 946. In this configuration, the lightalignment bond 981 resists displacement of the hole 950B with respect tothe window 946, which may cover the window 946 and block light passage.Although the light alignment bond 981 is shown as being applied in FIG.86, in one embodiment, the light alignment bond 981 may be applied atthe stage illustrated in FIG. 89, immediately before folding the innerand outer portions 950D-E together. These bonds 980, 981 may initiallybe lightly bonded by slight application of heat and pressure in oneembodiment, to hold the components in place during assembly, and thenmay be normally bonded later during assembly. A strip 960 of bondingmaterial is also placed across the edge of the inside surface 950F ofthe outer portion 950E of the main body piece 950, configured to bondthe edges of the inner and outer sides 950D-E together after folding, asshown in FIG. 86. Another bonding strip 968 may also be placed on theinside surface 950F along the central fold line, in order to provideadditional strength and structural support to the bottom end 924 of thefinished band 920, as also shown in FIG. 86.

The housing 963 may then be connected to the band 920, such that theflange 967 sits around the periphery of the hole 950A and the portion ofthe housing 963 including the opening 942 projects through the hole950A, as shown in FIG. 87. The flange 967 may be connected to the insidesurface 950F of the main body piece 950 by stitching around part or allof the flange 967 and/or bonding to the frame bond 980 in oneembodiment. As described above, in one embodiment, the flange 967 may belightly bonded to the inside surface 950F by the frame bond 980 prior tostitching, and then more strongly bonded later on during assembly. Afterthe housing 963 is connected to the band 920, a trim piece 983 may beconnected on the outside surface 950G of the inner portion 950D of themain body portion 950, as shown in FIG. 88. This trim piece 983 formspart of the inner surface 927 of the band 920 and covers the connectionbetween the housing 963 and the main body portion 950. The trim piece983 may be formed of a heat-activated material as described herein andmay be heat pressed into place in one embodiment, and the trim piece 983may be lightly pressed at first and then more strongly pressed at alater time, or may be fully pressed initially, in various embodiments.

In one embodiment, a support piece 982 as shown in FIG. 73 may also bepositioned between the housing 963 and the inside surface 950F of theouter portion 950E of the main body piece 950 prior to folding of themain body piece 950. The method illustrated in FIGS. 83-91 does notinclude this support piece 982, and the support piece 982 (if used) maybe connected to the housing 963 and the main body piece 950 between thesteps in FIGS. 88 and 89 in one embodiment. The support piece 982 may beformed of a heat-activated material as described herein and may be heatpressed into place. The support piece 982 may have a hole (not shown)cut in alignment with the window 946. This support piece 982 may beincluded if graphics are printed on or around the areas of the band 920located over the pocket 940 and housing 963, e.g., as in FIGS. 40A-B, toresist stretching or distortion of the graphics. If no graphics areprinted in this location, the support piece 982 may not be included.

FIGS. 97-99 illustrate an embodiment of a housing 963 that is usable inmanufacturing a band 920 according to various embodiments describedherein. FIGS. 100-101 illustrate another embodiment of a housing 963that is configured in a similar manner to the housing 963 in FIGS.97-99, and the descriptions herein with respect to FIGS. 97-99 applyequally to FIGS. 100-101 unless stated otherwise. The housing 963 inFIGS. 97-99 includes one or more slots 992 extending through one or moreof the walls 993 of the housing 963. It is understood that the walls 993of the housing 963 define the cavity 941 and may include the outer wall943, the inner wall 944, and potentially other walls as well.

The slots 992 may help avoid accumulation of moisture (e.g., sweat)within the housing 963 during use, by allowing the moisture to escapeeasily from the housing 963. In one embodiment, the housing 963 mayinclude at least one slot 992 that is located at the end of the housing963 positioned closest to the bottom end 924 of the band 920, i.e., theend of the housing 963 that is configured to be at the bottom when theband 920 is worn on a user's arm in a normal standing position. Thehousing 963 in FIGS. 97-99 has a slot 992 on the bottom end of the outerwall 943 in this position, when the housing 963 is mounted on the band920 in the orientation shown in FIGS. 69-70A, 91, and 96. In thisposition, the downward-facing slot 992 promotes increased moisturepassage, because gravity tends to force moisture toward the slot 992.Centrifugal force generated by swinging the arm during exercise may alsoforce moisture toward the downward-facing slot 992. The housing 963 mayalso have one or more additional slots 992 in other locations in variousembodiments. For example, the housing 963 may also have slots 992 in oneor both of the left and right sides of the inner wall 944, as in theembodiment of FIGS. 97-99. These side slots 992 may also promoteincreased moisture passage through gravity and/or centrifugal force, asone of these slots 992 will be downward-facing when the user's arm isbent at a 90° angle, as is common during running and many otherexercises.

The housing 992 may have additional slots 992 and/or slots 992 locatedin different positions in other embodiments, which may or may not bepositioned in locations where gravity and/or centrifugal force promoteflow of moisture. For example, if the housing 963 is positioned in adifferent orientation in another embodiment, e.g., oriented similarly tothe embodiment in FIG. 39A, then the end of the housing 963 that isdownward-facing may be different. In such an embodiment, the slot(s) 992may be located differently, in order to promote increased moisturepassage, e.g., by having a slot 992 at the opposite end of the housing963 as the end slot 992 in FIGS. 97-99. In a further embodiment, thehousing 963 may have slots 992 located at the bottom-left andbottom-right corners. Still further configurations may be used in otherembodiments.

The slots 992 in the embodiment of FIGS. 97-99 are formed in the outerwall 943 of the housing 963. These slots 992 may be considered to beformed at least partially or entirely in side walls 993A of the housing963 that form part of the outer wall 943 and extend transversely to theflange 967. In this position, the slots 992 are positioned only on theportions of the housing 963 that are located outwardly (toward the outerside 928 of the band 920) from the flange 967. This configurationpermits moisture to pass from inside the housing 963 to the exterior ofthe housing and to be absorbed by the material of the band 920. In otherembodiments, the slots 992 may additionally or alternately be locatedelsewhere. For example, the housing 963 may include one or more slots992 in the inner wall 944 that allow moisture to pass to the exteriorthe band 920, or the housing 963 may have other exposed surfaces (suchas in a differently-configured band 920) that may have slots 992therein. Additionally, the size(s) of the slot(s) 992 may affect themoisture passage properties, as larger slots 992 can assist in breakingany meniscus that may form from moisture accumulation. In oneembodiment, the slot 992 at the end of the housing 963 may be at least50% of the width of the wall 993 in which it is located (i.e., notincluding the flange 967), and the slot(s) 992 on the side walls 993 ofthe housing 963 may each be at least 20% of the length of the side wall993 in which it is located. Further, the housing 963 may have asurfactant applied to the inner surfaces of the housing 963, in order toenhance the ability of moisture to travel toward the holes and break upany meniscus that may form. The use of a surfactant may enable the useof smaller slots 992.

The slots 992 may be formed using any of a number of different formingtechniques, in various embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, theslot(s) 992 may be formed in the housing 963 after the housing isformed, such as by using laser cutting, mechanical cutting, thermalcutting, or other cutting techniques; machining techniques; or othermaterial removal techniques. In another embodiment, the slot(s) 992 maybe formed as part of the forming process, such as by pressing or moldingthe material of the housing 963 with a tool configured to form theslot(s) 992. For example, a single-piece, injection molded TPU housing963 as described above may be injection molded into a cavity that formsthe slot(s) 992. Other techniques known in the art may be used as well.

FIGS. 94-95 illustrate one embodiment of a heat press assembly 988configured for heat pressing around the flange 967 of the housing 963after the housing 963 is connected to the band 920, e.g., by stitching,as described herein with respect to FIG. 87. The heat press assembly 988as shown in FIGS. 94-95 includes two opposed mold pieces 989, 990 thatare configured for heat pressing around the flange 967 of the housing963. The band 920 is illustrated schematically in FIG. 95, to show thatthe heat press assembly 988 is configured for heat pressing the band 920along with the housing 963. In operation, the first mold piece 989 ispositioned on the inside surface 950F of the inner portion 950D of themain body piece 950, and the second mold piece 989 is positioned on theoutside surface 950G of the inner portion 950D of the main body piece950. The mold pieces 989, 990 are annular in shape, each having aninternal opening 991, so that the mold pieces 989, 990 are configured topress only around the flange 967 of the housing 963. In thisconfiguration, the main body of the housing 963 is received within theopening 991, so that the mold pieces 989, 990 do not press the main bodyof the housing 963 or the adjacent portions of the band 920, whichlocalizes the heat application and avoids creating unwanted marks ordiscolorations on the non-pressed portions of the band 920 and housing963. The trim piece 983 shown in FIG. 88 may be applied prior tooperation of the heat press assembly 988 in one embodiment, and theshapes of the mold pieces 988, 989 conform to the shape of the trimpiece 983 as shown. The heat press assembly 988 may be applied to theband 920 and housing 963 following the assembly steps shown in FIGS. 87and 88, and before the band 920 is folded over in FIG. 89 (discussedbelow). Additional pieces of heat-sealable material may be used invarious positions, in connection with the heat press assembly 988. Forexample, the support piece 982 in FIG. 73 may also be applied beforeoperation of the heat press assembly 988, as discussed herein. It isunderstood that the configuration of the mold pieces 988, 989 may varydepending on the shapes and configurations of the housing 963 and thetrim piece 983 (or other pieces of heat sealable material that may beused).

The main body piece 950 is then folded over so that the inner and outerportions 950D-E confront each other, as shown in FIG. 89. The outsidesurface 950G of the inner and outer portions 950D-E forms the inner andouter surfaces 927, 928 of the band 920, respectively, and the insidesurface 950F is located internally within the band 920 in thisconfiguration. A seam bonding strip 961 is placed along the edge wherethe folded ends of the inner and outer portions 950D-E meet, in order tocover the edges, as shown in FIG. 90. In one embodiment, the strips 960,961, 968, frame bond 980, the trim piece 983, the light alignment bond981, and optionally the support piece 982 (if present) may be bondedcompletely at this point in the process, such as by localized bondingtechniques. For example, the bonding may be accomplished by bonding eachpiece individually and sequentially, or by a heat press with toolsurfaces configured to press the desired pieces at the desired locationsand not to press other locations of the band 920. The main body portion950 may be cut to size at this point in the process, such as by cuttingthe ends 950 of the main body piece 950 to form angled edges, as seen inFIG. 91. A band closure trim strip 962 may be used to bond the ends ofthe main body piece 950 together to form the tubular body 921, as shownin FIG. 91. In one embodiment, the ends of the main body piece 950 arefirst wrapped to form the tubular body 921 and then stitched togetheralong the seam, then the band closure trim strip 962 is applied to coverthe stitching and secure the connection. The band closure trim strip 962wraps around both the inner and outer surfaces 927, 928 of the band 920when assembled, and one embodiment of the band closure strip can be seenin greater detail in FIG. 70C. In one embodiment, the closure trim strip962 is locally heat pressed subsequent to the additional heat pressingoperation described above. After stitching and connection of the trimstrip 962, the final structure of the band 920 is formed, with thepocket 940 defined on the inner surface 927.

The band 920 may further be provided with an adjustment mechanism in oneembodiment, to make the size (i.e., circumference) of the tubular body921 adjustable. Examples of such adjustment mechanisms may include anadjustable fastening structure such that the band 920 can be wrappedaround a portion of the user's body and fastened to form the tubularshape, or a foldable tab or flap that may be fastened in differentpositions to tighten or loosen the band 920. Fastening structures thatmay be used for such an adjustment mechanism include hook and loop(i.e., Velcro), snaps, clips, buckles, ties, etc. Other examples of suchadjustment mechanisms include tightening strips or straps or adrawstring, which may be fastened as described above. Further examplesof adjustment mechanisms may be used in other embodiments. FIGS. 92-93illustrate example embodiments of structures that may be used for suchadjustment mechanisms. For example, FIG. 92 illustrates a band 920 withan elastic tab 984 that is fixed proximate the edge of the band 920 atone end and has a releasable connector 985 (Velcro in this embodiment)at the opposite end. The elastic tab 984 can be stretched andreconnected to increase compression locally, thereby making the band 920fit tighter on the user's body. The tab 984 is connected at the top end923 of the band 920 in this embodiment, but could be located elsewherein other embodiments. As another example, FIG. 93 illustrates a band 920with an elastic cord or drawstring 986 that extends along most of thelength of the band 920, with one end fixed near one edge of the band 920and the other end having a releasable connector 985 (Velcro in thisembodiment) near the opposite edge of the band 920. The cord 986 isconnected at the top end 923 of the band 920 in this embodiment, butcould be located elsewhere in other embodiments. The cord 986 can bestretched and reconnected to increase compression along almost theentire length of the top end 923 of the band 920. Further differentembodiments of adjustment mechanisms may be used in other embodiments.

FIG. 41 shows perspective side views of a module 930 that may be used inassociation with apparel or other devices, such as being insertablewithin an armband that may be used during intense physical activity.Module 930 may include one or more mechanical, electric, and/orelectro-mechanical components, such as computer components, that aredescribed elsewhere herein, as well as a casing 931 forming a structuralconfiguration for the module 930. Module 930 may comprise at least oneof a processor, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, sensor and/ora transceiver. One or more components may be similar to and/or identicalto any component shown and described above in FIGS. 1-5. Those skilledin the art will appreciate that module 930 and the casing 931 may havemultiple different structural configurations and the illustrations aremerely exemplary.

In the embodiment of FIG. 41, the module 930 has at least one sensor932, which may be in the form of, for example, a heart rate sensor orother sensor for sensing another physiological parameter of the user.Module 930 may be configured to contact the skin of the user during wearwhile the module 930 is secured within the band or apparatus. Forexample, the heart rate sensor 932 in this illustrated embodiment is anoptical sensor that works best in contact or close proximity with theskin. As shown in FIG. 41, the casing 931 of module 930 has a projection939 on the underside 936, and the sensor 932 is mounted on the end ofthe projection 939. The projection 939 extends the sensor 932 fartheraway from the surrounding surfaces of the casing 931, permitting greatercapability for forming continuous contact with the user's body. Band 920may have an aperture that allows a front surface of the protrusion tocontact the user's skin, however, the remainder of underside 938 is heldwithin the band 920 or at least is separated from the user's skin by atleast one layer of a material. In one embodiment, the layer of materialmay be configured to wick away moisture (e.g., such as sweat) away fromthe sensing surface on the user's skin. In other embodiments, it may beconfigured to prevent moisture, light, and/or physical materials fromcontacting the sensing surface or location during the physical activity.In one embodiment, it may selectively block light of certainwavelengths. In certain embodiments, at least 95% of ambient light isblocked within the immediate vicinity of the sensing surface. In anotherembodiment, at least 99% of the ambient light is blocked. This may beadvantageous for optical sensors, such as optical heart rate sensors.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other sensors, includingthose sensors described above in relation to FIGS. 1-5, may beused—either alone in combination with each other or othersensors—without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

In one general embodiment, the module 930 may include one or more userinput interfaces, such as for example, buttons 933 to provideuser-actuated input. An example user input interface may consist ofsingle mechanical button, e.g., button 933, which is shown on the topside 937 opposite the underside 936. Yet in other embodiments, displayfeature 934 may be configured as a user-input interface. Those skilledin the art will appreciate that one or more user-actuated inputs mayalso be received through one or more transceivers of the module 930. Forexample, a system may be configured such that a user may be able toenter a user input onto an electronic mobile device which may mimicusing buttons 933 or, alternatively, perform different functions thanavailable in a specific instance of actuating buttons 933. Module 933may further comprise one or more display features 934.

In one embodiment, the pocket 940 of the band or apparatus may beconfigured to receive module 930 having a display feature 934 on surfacethat provides at least one visual indicia to a user. Display features934 may be a simple light source, such as a light emitting diode. In aspecific embodiment, the color, intensity, or pattern of illumination ofat least one light source in display features may be used to provide avisual indication to the user. Those skilled in the art will furtherappreciate that more complex display devices, such as LED, OLED, LCD,etc. may be utilized. Other output mechanisms, such as audible andtactile are within the scope of this disclosure.

Module 930 may further include one or more connectors 935 for chargingand/or connection to an external device. In one embodiment, connectors935 may include a serial bus connection, such as that may comply withone or more Universal Serial Bus (USB) standards. In one embodiment,connectors 935 may be configured to provide at least of the sameelectronic information to an external device that may be transmitted viaone or more transceivers of the module 930.

When the module 930 in the embodiment of FIG. 41 is received within thepocket 940 illustrated in FIGS. 11-12 and 36-39B, connector 935 isreceived within the shell 948, the underside 936 of the casing 931 ispositioned in contact with the inner wall 944 of the pocket 940, and thetop side 937 of the casing 931 is positioned in contact with the outerwall 943 of the pocket 940. In this arrangement, the projection 939extends through the sensor opening 945 to place the sensor 932 in closerproximity with the user's body, the button 933 is positioned adjacentthe button portion 947 on the outer wall 943, and the light 934 ispositioned in alignment with the window 946 to permit viewing of thelight 934 through the outer wall 943. The projection 939 extendingthrough the sensor opening 945 and also in certain embodiments mayassist in holding the module 930 in place. In this configuration the endof the module 930 opposite the connector 935 protrudes slightly from theaccess opening 942, in order to facilitate gripping for removal of themodule 930.

The casing 931 may have a structural configuration to increase comfortof wearing the module 930 in close proximity to the user's skin. Forexample, the casing 931 has a flat configuration to create a thinprofile, making the module 930 less noticeable when being worn on theuser's body. As another example, the casing 931 may have curved contourson the underside 936 and the top side 937, as well as curved or bevelededges, in order to enhance comfort.

FIGS. 42-59 illustrate several additional embodiments of various modules930 with casings 931 that are differently configured. For example, FIG.42 illustrates a module 930 with a flat-ended casing 931 and a button933 that has a display feature (e.g., light source) 934 thereon. FIG. 43illustrate a module 930 with a light 934 near the end opposite theconnector 935, a single button 933, and no projection at the sensor 932.FIG. 44 illustrates a module 930 similar to that of FIG. 43, except witha light 934 surrounding the button 933. FIG. 45 illustrates a module 930with a lighted button 933, 934 located on the end opposite the connector935, rather than on the top side 937. FIGS. 46-59 illustrate variousdifferent embodiments having examples of projections 939 that areshaped, sized, and configured in many different ways. FIG. 57illustrates a module 930 where the button 933 is recessed from the topside 937. Still further examples of modules with differentconfigurations and arrangements of features are contemplated.

FIGS. 60-63 illustrate an additional embodiment of a module 930 with acasing 931 that has a projection 939 on the underside 936, with a sensor(e.g., a heart rate sensor) mounted on the end of the projection 939,similar to the embodiment of FIG. 41. The module 930 includes one ormore user input interfaces, such as a button 933 on the top side 937, asseen in FIG. 60. The casing 931 of the module 930 in the embodiment ofFIGS. 60-63 has curved or beveled edges, in order to enhance comfort. Inanother embodiment, as shown in FIG. 63, the module 930 may also includea retaining structure 935A on the underside of the USB connector 935.This retaining structure 935A may assist in retaining the connector 935within the pocket 948, e.g., by engaging the shell 948. It is understoodthat this module 930 may be utilized as described herein, and may haveadditional or alternate features as described herein. The housing 963 ofthe band 920 as illustrated in FIGS. 68-70 and 78-82 is configured tofit the module 930 illustrated in FIGS. 60-63.

In certain embodiments, computer-executable instructions may be used tocalibrate a device or system, such as to account for the location,orientation, or configuration of a sensor or group of sensors. As oneexample, module 930 may include a heart rate sensor. The heart ratesensor may be configured such that when correctly orientated on or inthe band, the heart rate sensor is located or oriented a certain waywith respect to the user. For example, if the heart rate sensor is anoptical heart rate sensor, it may be within a distance range to the skin(with respect to multiple axes and location). Further, one or moresensors may be configured such that when correctly oriented within theband (e.g., placed within the pocket, a contact of a sensor isconfigured to be in communication with the user (e.g., their skin oralternatively their clothing). Too much variance with respect to theorientation or location of the sensor may result in inaccurate and/orimprecise data. In certain embodiments, one or more sensor measurements,either raw or calculated, may be utilized to determine a proper orpreferred orientation(s) or location(s) of the sensor(s).

The measurements may be based on one or more remote or local sensors onthe device to be oriented, such as module 930. For example, in certainembodiments, a user's Body Mass Index (BMI) or another parameter may becalculated. The calculation may be based, at least in part, on one ormore sensors located on the device to be oriented. Based upon the sensormeasurement(s), a UI, which may be on the device itself, a remotedevice, and/or a device in electronic communication with the device tobe oriented (or re-oriented) may prompt and/or guide a user to re-orientthe device. In other embodiments, it may provide a user input device toprovide user inputs for orientation. For example, unlike prior artdevices which may merely detect a weak or imprecise value and recommendor request the orientation of the sensor or device, embodimentsdisclosed herein may use data to intelligently determine the problemand/or solution. In one embodiment, a user's BMI or other data may beused to determine that the user should wear the device at anotherlocation and/or alter its orientation. For example, if a user's BMI iswithin the normal range (e.g., commonly accepted as 20-25), however,heart rate data is utilized in the calculation of a parameter that isbelow a threshold, then in certain embodiments, additional analysis maybe performed to consider whether the heart rate sensor should beadjusted. As explained in more detail below, further embodiments relateto augmenting one or more calculations of parameters used in thecalculations.

Systems and methods may be implemented to reduce inaccuracies and/orimprecise data collection. In one embodiment, the band may be configuredto be worn within a range of locations, such as on a user's appendage orextremity. With respect to a “lower arm” usage example, the lower armmay be considered the distance between an elbow joint and the carpus ofan arm or appendage, and may further be logically divided into aproximate region and a distal region. For example, the proximate regionof the lower arm would include a portion (e.g., up to half) of the lowerarm closest to the user's shoulder; and likewise, a distal region wouldinclude a portion (e.g., up to the remaining half) of the lower armconnecting to the carpus. In this regard, the band 920 may be configuredto be worn in the proximate region of the lower arm. In one embodiment,the entire band is configured to be retained within a proximate half ofthe lower arm. In one embodiment, the band is configured to be retainedat a specific location during athletic activities, such as with respectto the distance of the lower (or upper arm), a sensor measurementlocation is configured to move less than 1% or 0.5% of the distancealong the lower arm. In yet other embodiments, the band may beconfigured to move within a specific distance with respect to thedistance along the lower arm, however, at least one sensor (such as asensor of the module 930) may be configured to move a smaller distance.For example, in one embodiment, the band 920 may be configured to permitmovement of about 1 mm along the length of the lower arm, however, themodule, or a sensing surface of the module, may be configured to onlypermit 0.55 mm movement along the same axis. As discussed above, one ormore measurements may dictate altering this range, the distance from thesensor to the skin, as well as other locational dimensions and/ororientations. In one embodiment, the band 920 is configured to retain asensing surface (or sensing location) of the module at least apredefined distance from the carpus. This may be due to the mechanicalproperties of the band 920, the module 930, and/or as a result of asensor providing an indication of an incorrect and/or correct usage ofthe band 920 and/or module 930. In yet another embodiment, the sensingsurface is at least located 20% of the distance away from the carpus. Inanother embodiment, the band may be configured to retain a sensingsurface of the band at least a predefined distance of the distance fromthe elbow joint (or equivalent).

In one embodiment, one or more sensors of the module (alone and/or withother external sensors) may be utilized to detect the location of themodule 930, a sensing surface of the module, a sensing location, and/orthe band 920. This may be done directly or indirectly. In certainembodiments, one or more non-transitory computer-readable mediums maycomprise computer-executable instructions, then when executed by aprocessor cause the processor to at least conduct a location calibrationroutine. The computer-readable medium(s) may be located entirely on themodule, an external electronic device, such as a mobile or cellulardevice, and/or combinations thereof. One or more calibration routinesmay be automatically initiated, such as by being triggered by sensingone or more criteria (e.g. with a sensor of the module) or through amanual initiation, such as by a user initiating the routine.

Movements during the athletic activity will naturally cause physicalmovements of anatomical structures, including joints and flexingmuscles. As one example, flexing muscles may cause relative and absolutechanges in locations and orientation of sensor sensing surfaces and/orsensing locations. As discussed herein, having the band, sensingsurfaces, and/or sensing locations located in positions to reduce oreliminate flexure-causing inaccuracies will improve the utility of suchsensing systems when compared with prior-art systems. For example, thedevice (or location(s)) may be positioned to reduce or eliminate forearmtension in one embodiment. In another embodiment, systems and methodsmay be implemented to identify the extent of actual and/or anticipatedflexure or anatomical movement. In further embodiments, one or morecalibration or correction factors may be applied to sensor readingsbased upon flexure or other anatomical movements. In one embodiment,only flexure of one muscle or group of muscles may be considered. Thismay be the case even when other muscles' flexure is present.

FIG. 6 shows a chart comparing different exercises to the mean of aheart rate sensor's output based upon different movements. Specifically,looking to FIG. 6, the Y-axis comprises a plurality of differentexercises. The exercises are categorized into three sections, which areindicated by the numeral 1, 2, or 3 preceding each description. Thenumerals are merely used to distinguish different groups and has noother significance to FIG. 6 for purposes of this disclosure. Bydistinguishing the exercises, a “Fullbout Set” exercise could beprovided which includes each exercise in the categories (1, 2, and 3).The X-axis of the chart shown in FIG. 6 shows the confidence intervalfor the mean heart rate measurement. As seen in FIG. 6, exercisesgenerally known to cause tension in the forearm muscles scored lowerthan other exercises that cause lesser tension in the same muscles. Forexamples, “CnJ”, “Thruster”, and Row” all require a greater tension inforearm muscles when compared to “BoxJumps”.

Certain embodiments, therefore, may be used to detect movements and/oraccount for some movements. In further embodiments, a calibration may beperformed before a specific type of athletic activity to ensurevariations are within a specified range. The range may be determined bydemographic information, the type of activity to be performed, knowncorrection factors or limitations, among others or combinations thereof.In one embodiment, a user may be prompted to perform a movement totrigger a known tension (or range of tension) within a specific muscleor group of muscles. In one embodiment, systems and methods may beimplemented to cause a user to flex a certain muscle or group ofmuscles. For example, a user may be prompted to perform a specificathletic activity or group of activities, including one or moreactivities shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, sensor readings may beused to determine an individual's flex, which may be influenced by auser's anatomical and/or physiological characteristics. In oneembodiment, a computer-readable medium may comprise computer-executableinstructions that when processed by a processor, may combine the outcomeof the sensor readings during calibration with other factors, which alsomay be stored entirely or partly on the module 930. Examples includedemographic information, such as a user's sex, weight, age, and/or otherattributes.

In further embodiments, other attributes such as a user's BMI and/orother demographic, physiological, biological, and/or anatomicalparameters may be utilized in accordance with certain embodiments toaugment processing of sensor data, such as for example an optical heartrate sensor Optical properties of light utilized in optical heart ratemeasurements, including the light's transmittance, reflectance,backscatter, and/or other properties, alone, in combination, and/orsynergistically may be influenced by a user's build, such as musclemass, lipids making up adipose tissue, water, electrolyte levels, and/orother content or properties of such contents. As discussed below,locational distribution of such contents may play a role. Aspects ofthis disclosure relate to systems that may receive an indication of anathletic parameter, e.g., BMI, adipose tissue presence (either proximateor within the range of the optical light waves being transmitted orreceived by the measurements, or alternatively systemic or regionally,such as along the forearm, back arm, waist, buttocks, etc.), and/orhydration levels, and adjust one or more aspects relating to heart ratemeasurements, such as, but not limited to: (1) changing or augmenting analgorithm or process used to obtain the measurements, such as forexample, the weights assigned to the measurements of heart ratemeasurements or using a different wavelength and/or frequency ofmeasurements; (2) determining whether to use or not use heart rate (ordata from a specific sensor) as a measurement; (3) adjusting how heartrate may be calculated (e.g., from a different sensor or collection ofsensors) including automatically altering the locational properties ofthe sensor or prompting the relocation of the sensor, and/or (4)re-interpreting heart rate measurements from one or more processes,which may collectively or individually be referred to as adjusting oraugmenting a heart rate measurement protocol.

As one illustrative example, FIG. 7 shows flowchart 700 that may beimplemented to augment one or more processes. As shown in flowchart 700,an athletic parameter (e.g., such as BMI) may be obtained or determined,such as by a processor located on module 930 (e.g., block 702). Theparameter may be a single parameter from a single sensor or a pluralityof parameters from one or more sensors. In further embodiments, a singleparameter may be calculated or determined from several sub-parameters.In certain embodiments, the parameter may be predetermined, such as theuser's gender, weight, and/or height. However, weight or otherparameters that may be predetermined in previous calculations may beconfirmed or refreshed using sensor data. In an example embodimentmeasuring BMI, the most-widely accepted calculation is to divide bodyweight (kg) by height² (m²), thus BMI=weight/height². The parameter(s)of block 702 may be utilized as a threshold level (e.g., decision 704).If criteria is met, e.g., threshold or range rules are withinoperational criteria, then a default heart rate measurement protocol maybe enacted (e.g., block 706). The protocol may be a specific algorithmand/or use specific wavelengths of light and/or light intensity toobtain readings. In certain embodiments, values exceeding (or notmeeting) a threshold value or not within a range of values may cause aprocessor to execute a secondary heart rate measurement protocol (e.g.,block 708), which may for example prompt a different algorithm to beimplemented or another process to be augmented, such as for example,weights or confidences assigned to heart rate measurements, theutilization of heart rate as a measurement, adjusting how heart rate maybe calculated, and/or interpreting heart rate measurements from one ormore processes, as well as any other alteration of a heart ratemeasurement protocol provide herein. Using BMI as an example parameter,a BMI value of about 25 (which is commonly accepted as the dividing linebetween “normal” and “overweight”) may be a threshold, in yet anotherembodiment, a BMI of about 20 (which is commonly accepted as thedividing line between “underweight” and “normal”) may be utilized. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that multiple thresholds or rangesmay be used, which may be higher, lower, and/or in-between these values.Generally, as described above, a user's BMI is calculated by dividingthe body weight (kg) by height² (m²), thus BMI=weight/height². Given itsinputs, BMI values may be artificially inflated or deflated based on anindividual's specific build or other factors, some of which aredescribed herein. In certain embodiments, other criteria may be utilizedto weight or augment a BMI score. In further embodiments, other criteriamay be used independently of BMI. BMI may not be used in certainembodiments, and a different metric may potentially be used in itsplace.

In this regard, the inventors have determined that individuals with leanbody structures may be more susceptible to imprecise and/or inaccurateheart rate readings from optical heart rate monitors, even when blockingambient light and controlling for other variables. For example, as shownin FIGS. 8-10, chart 800 shows an example parameter (e.g., BMI) alongthe x-axis (element 802) plotted against a performance score (e.g., about score) that may be calculated by a processor, based at least inpart on heart rate measurements using an optical heart rate sensor,plotted along the y-axis (element 804). Looking first to FIG. 8, line806, the correlation of the BMI parameter to the bout score, may beexpressed as a best fit using the following: Bout Score=1.6327BMI+24.811. In this specific embodiment, line 806 exhibits an R²value=0.0609. Looking to chart 800 of FIG. 8, performance scores amongindividuals with lower BMI scores show more variance than theindividuals with higher BMI scores. Further, each performance scorebelow 40 (with respect to y-axis 804) was collected from an individualhaving a BMI<25. FIGS. 9 and 10 show sub-populations of the datapresented in FIG. 8, specifically, in the illustrative example, FIG. 9shows the respective data points obtained from male individuals and FIG.10 shows respective data points obtained from female individuals. Asshown in FIG. 9, line 808, a correlation of the BMI parameter to theperformance score (e.g., bout score) may be expressed as a best fitusing Bout Score=4.1962 BMI−42.305. In this specific embodiment, R² maybe =0.3001. As shown in FIG. 10, line 810, a correlation of the BMIparameter to the example performance score (e.g., bout score) may beexpressed as a best fit using Bout Score=−0.4258x+83.772. In thisspecific embodiment R² may be =0.0098. Gender differences exist withrespect to adipose tissue and the storage of lipids, includinglocational distribution, quantity, and other variables. Therefore, inone embodiment, block 702 may determine gender, age, or other parameters(alone or in combination) to determine to implement a first algorithmmay be utilized to measure heart rate from user's with a BMI (and/orother parameters) below a threshold and a second algorithm may be usedto measure heart rate from users above and/or meeting the threshold(e.g., blocks 706 and 708). A plurality of thresholds may be used.

In certain embodiments, decision 710 may be implemented after block 702to determine if a second parameter is out of range or violating athreshold. The second parameter may be any parameter, including thosediscussed herein, including a derivation of the first parameter. Ifthere is not a threshold violation and/or criteria is being met, thecurrent in-place heart rate measurement protocol may be left intact(e.g. block 712). Alternatively, if decision 710 is in the negative,certain embodiments may modify one or more aspects of the currentprotocol (e.g., block 714). For example, a different optical wavelengthmay be used to detect heart rate on one or more individuals meeting oneor more criteria, such as any discussed herein or known in the art. Inyet further embodiments, a scalar may be applied to heart ratemeasurements obtained from those individuals meeting one or morecriteria. Environmental cues and data, such as from light sensors,temperature sensors, and the like may further provide immediate and/orlong term sensor data that may provide insights to the user's adiposetissue, muscle mass, etc. Further, in certain embodiments, distancebetween the sensor and the user's skin may be adjusted automatically orrequested to be done manually based upon altering a protocol.

In yet another embodiment, one or more correction factors and/orcalibration values may be altered or created based upon detecting theathletic activity a user is performing. The detection may be based,partly or wholly on sensor readings from the module 930. In oneembodiment, external data may be received and utilized, such as forexample from a user's electronic mobile device and/or another fitnessdevice. In one embodiment, data from a user's schedule, past athleticdata, friend's data, historical analysis, manual user input, locationaldata, and/or combinations thereof and others may be used to determine anathletic activity. In one embodiment, for example, it may be determinedthat a user is performing or is likely to perform an athletic activitythat is associated with more elevated flexion values, and therefore, oneor more instructions may be executed, such as confirming the band 930,module 940, and/or another apparatus is within a certain location orwithin an operational state, such as but not including adjusting one ormore sensing parameters. In yet another embodiment, the user may berequired to conduct one or more different movements or activities torecalibrate the band 920. In further embodiments, the user may beprompted to locate the band 920 or module 930 at a specific location. Instill further embodiments, the user may be prompted to use a specificmodule. For example, replaceable modules may be interchanged forincreased sensitivity, different sensing characteristics, and/or comfortbased upon different factors for different activities (and/or userpreference).

In various embodiments, the user may get feedback to reposition themodule 930, band 920 and/or to conduct one or more analytics. Further,the system may provide feedback to indicate ranges or percentages of theuser, such as to let the user decide whether the ranges/percentages areacceptable or rather to reposition or switch out components of thesystem.

Additional Hardware

FIGS. 102-111 illustrate embodiments for use with a band 920 thatincludes some or all of the features of the band 920 illustrated inFIGS. 68-70C, and may be manufactured in a manner similar to the methodillustrated in FIGS. 71-91. Thus, the features and manufacturingtechniques of the band 920 of FIGS. 102-111 that are similar to thosealready described will not necessarily be described again for the sakeof brevity. Similar components described already may be referred tousing similar reference numbers.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 102-111, the band 920 includes a inputdevice 1000 connected to the housing 963 and/or otherwise receivedwithin the pocket 940 and configured for connection to the module 930when the module 930 is received within the pocket 940. The input device1000 has one or more buttons 1001 thereon that are accessible from theouter surface 928 of the band 920, such as through the outer wall 943 ofthe band 920. The input device 1000 is configured for communication withan external device 1002, as shown in FIG. 111, and may have any of thecomponents of the computer device 200 described above. In oneembodiment, the input device 1000 includes a wireless transmitter 1003(which may be part of a transceiver) configured for communication withthe external device 1002, a port 1004 for connection to the connector935 of the module 930, and potentially a small memory and/or processorfor operation of the button(s) 1001, transmitter 1003, and port 1004. Inone embodiment, the input device 1000 may include no internal operatingsystem or significant software, and the input device 1000 may beconfigured to simply transmit a signal that the button 1001 was pressed,along with the sequence and/or length of the button press(es) 1001.

The button(s) 1001 of the input device 1000 may be one of a number ofdifferent types, including a tactile/mechanical button, a touchscreen, aheat-sensitive button, or other device capable of registering a touch bythe user. It is understood that some types of buttons 1001 may require awindow or other passage through the outer wall 943 of the band 920 foroperation. In the embodiments of FIGS. 102-111, the input device 1000includes tactile buttons 1001. The input device 1000 may include one ormore additional buttons 1001, as illustrated in FIGS. 102-110 anddescribed below. For example, each of the embodiments in FIGS. 102-109has a main button 1001A and an optional additional volume control button1001B. Various techniques and methods of operation of the button(s) 1001are also described below. The band 920 may also have indicia 1008 on theouter surface 928 to inform the user where to press to activate thebutton(s) 1001, as shown in FIG. 109.

The transmitter 1003, which may be part of a transceiver as statedabove, is configured for wireless communication with one or moreexternal devices 1002, as illustrated in FIG. 111. It is understood thatany of the embodiments of FIGS. 102-111 may have such a transmitter1003. In one embodiment, the transmitter 1003 may be a Bluetooth orBluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) transmitter. In other embodiments, thetransmitter 1003 may use different transmissions, frequencies,protocols, etc., such as a Wi-Fi transmitter.

The port 1004 may include any connecting structure, and theconfiguration of the port 1004 may depend on the configuration of themodule 930 to which it is connected. In the embodiment of FIGS. 102-111,the port 1004 is a USB or USB-compatible port configured to connect withthe USB connector 935 on the module 930 of FIGS. 60-63. It is understoodthat the port 1004 may not include all of the hardware of a typical USBport in one embodiment, as the port 1004 may be configured only to drawpower from the module 930 for operation of the input device 1000, andnot to exchange data with the module 930. In another embodiment, theinput device 1000 may be configured to operate as a wirelesscommunications interface between the module 930 and the external device1002, e.g., by receiving and/or transmitting data from/to the module 930through the port 1004 and receiving and/or transmitting data from/to theexternal device 1002 through the transmitter 1003.

The input device 1000 may further include haptic feedback features, suchas a vibration motor or other haptic feedback mechanism 1009 (shownschematically in FIG. 106), to communicate various signals (e.g.,alerts) to the user. The input device 1000 may be configured forproviding different types of haptic feedbacks, such as a steadyvibration, pulsed vibration, etc. The input device 1000 may receivesignals from the external device 1002 to generate specific hapticfeedback. In one embodiment, the resolution of when to generate hapticfeedback and which haptic feedback to generate is performed by theexternal device 1002, such that the input device needs only to receivethe signal and generate the haptic feedback. The external device 1002may utilize user settings for providing specific haptic feedback in theevent of a specific occurrence, e.g., an incoming phone call, anemergency alert, an activity milestone reached, or other event. Hapticfeedback may be used in connection with the various applications andfunctions described below.

The input device 1000 may be positioned within the pocket 940 and/or thehousing 963, may be positioned adjacent the pocket 940 and/or thehousing 963, may form a part of the pocket 940 and/or the housing 963,or may be a separate element connected to the module 930, in variousembodiments. In the embodiment of FIGS. 102-103, the input device 1000is a separate device that is permanently or removably connected withinthe housing 963. The input device 1000 in this embodiment is in the formof a casing positioned within the end of the housing 963, proximate thenarrowed portion 965 of the opening 942 (i.e., where the connector 935of the module 930 is received), with the port 1004 having an openingfacing into the pocket 940 defined by the housing 963. In this position,the module 930 can be inserted into the housing 963 so that theconnector 935 is received within the port 1004, as shown schematicallyin FIG. 106. The input device 1000 may be permanently connected withinthe housing 963, such as by adhesive or other bonding technique,fasteners, integral forming, or other techniques, in one embodiment. Theinput device 1000 may be removably connected within the housing 963 inanother embodiment. Such a removable input device 1000 may be removedfrom the housing for connection or disconnection with the module 930, asshown in FIGS. 107-110 and described below. Alternately, such aremovable input device 1000 may be retained within the housing 963 asthe module 930 is connected and disconnected, such as by a releasableretaining structure on the input device 1000 and/or the housing 963, ahigh-friction fit that is sufficient to retain the input device 1000 inplace during activity or removing the module 930 from the port 1004, orother removable configuration. The housing 963 may also have features tofacilitate access to the buttons 1001. For example, as shown in FIG.103, the housing 963 has one or more openings 1005 on the outer wall 943to permit access to the button(s) 1001. In another embodiment, thehousing 963 may have one or more protrusions on the inner surface of theouter wall 943 adjacent to the button(s) 1001, so that force exerted onthe housing 963 can reliably activate the button(s) 1001, similar to theprotrusion 987 described above.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 104-105, the input device 1000 forms a partof the housing 963 or forms part of a unitary structure with the housing963. The input device 1000 in this embodiment forms an end of thehousing 963 proximate the narrowed portion 965 of the opening 942, andhas an outer shape and contour that are substantially contiguous withthose of the housing 963. As shown in FIGS. 104-105, the input device1000 has a flange 967 that is continuous with the flange 967 of thehousing 963. The input device 1000 joins with the housing 963, and thehousing 963 has an open end 1006 adjacent the input device 1000 incommunication with the pocket 940, such that the port 1004 of the inputdevice 1000 is placed in communication with the pocket 940 defined bythe housing 963. In this configuration, the connector 935 of the module930 is received within the port 1004 when the module 930 is insertedinto the housing 963, as shown schematically in FIG. 106. The inputdevice 1000 may be permanently connected within the housing 963 in oneembodiment, or may be removably connected within the housing 963 inanother embodiment, for example, by using one of the permanent orremovable connection techniques described elsewhere herein. In thisembodiment, the button(s) 1001 may be positioned on the outer surface ofthe input device 1000, as shown in FIG. 105.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 107-108, the input device 1000 is a separatedevice that is configured for insertion into and removal from thehousing 963 and the pocket 940 along with the module 930. The inputdevice 1000 in each of these embodiments is in the form of a casing thatis connected to the module 930 by inserting the connector 935 of themodule 930 into the port 1004 outside the housing 963, and theninserting the module 930 and the input device 1000 simultaneously intothe housing 963. Once inserted, the input device 1000 is positionedwithin the end of the housing 963, proximate the narrowed portion 965 ofthe opening 942, similar to the position shown in FIG. 102. Connectionof the module 930 to the input device 1000 to form a connected structure1007 and insertion of the connected structure 1007 into the pocket 940defined by the housing 963 is shown schematically in FIG. 110. The inputdevice 1000 of FIG. 107 differs from the input device 1000 of FIG. 108primarily in the location of the volume control button 1001B, which islocated on the top surface of the input device 1000 in the embodiment ofFIG. 107 and is located on the side surface of the input device 1000 inthe embodiment of FIG. 108. It is understood that the housing 963 and/orthe band 920 may be configured for use with either of the input devices1000 of FIGS. 107-108, such as by effective location of features foroperating the button(s) 1001, including openings 1005, protrusions 987,indicia 1008, etc.

The input devices 1000 in FIGS. 102-110 are shown and described as beingusable in connection with a band 920 as illustrated in FIGS. 68-70C andmanufactured as illustrated in FIGS. 71-91. In other embodiments, thevarious embodiments of input devices 1000 described herein may beutilized with other embodiments of bands 920 as described herein, forexample, the bands 920 shown in FIGS. 39A-B and manufactured as shown inFIGS. 18-38. It is understood that the input device 1000 and/or the band920 may be modified to provide suitable functionality for such acombination.

As described above, the input device 1000 is configured forcommunication with an external device 1002 through the transmitter 1003,as shown in FIG. 111. The external device 1002 may include anycomponents of the computer device 200 described above, and may be amobile phone or other mobile device that can be carried by or positionednear a user during physical activity. As also described above, the inputdevice 1000 may be configured to transmit signals to the external devicewith button input indicating the activation of the button(s) 1001, whichincludes the sequence and/or length of the button press(es) 1001. Theexternal device 1002 may include software configured to receive thebutton input as input and take further action based on the button input.For example, the software on the external device 1002 may interpretspecific sequences of button 1001 presses (e.g., a single, double, ortriple-tap) as different input signals, and/or may interpret long-holdbutton 1001 presses as different from button taps. Further, the externaldevice 1002 can be programmed to interpret and use the button input asdifferent inputs for different purposes, and the device 1002 may includevarious preprogrammed and/or user-selected settings governing theinterpretation of the button input. The external device 1002 may includevarious applications and functionality that are controlled and/orinfluenced by the button input, according to the settings.

The input device 1000 may be in communication with multiple externaldevices 1002, either simultaneously or alternatively, and the module 930may be in communication with the input device 1000 and/or the externaldevice 1002. The input device 1000 and/or the external device 1002 mayalso be in communication with an external camera 1008, such as abody-mounted camera that may be capable of video and/or still photocapture. The camera 1008 may be controlled directly by input from theinput device 1000, or the button input may be used by the externaldevice 1002 as instructions for controlling the camera 1008. The inputdevice 1000 and/or the external device 1002 may also be in communicationwith one or more assemblies such as the assemblies 400, 304 shown inFIGS. 4-5 and described herein, for collection and/or communication ofadditional data. It is understood that the external device 1002 mayreceive button input from a different type of input device, for example,the module 930, an assembly 400 as shown in FIG. 4 or other wearableassembly (e.g., a smart watch), and that the methods, functions, andoperation of the external device 1002 as described herein are notlimited to use with an input device 1000 according to the embodimentsdescribed herein. For example, the functions and applications describedbelow may be operated by the external device 1002 without input from theinput device 1000 or any other input device. Still further, it isunderstood that some processing of information performed by the externaldevice 1002 may include sending the information to another device (e.g.,a server) for processing and receiving further information from theother device.

In one embodiment, the external device 1002 may operate as illustratedin FIG. 112. In this method of operation, the external device 1002receives selection of one of a plurality of settings from the user,governing the functioning of the device 1002, such as through a userinput of the device 1002, or through a specific sequence of buttonpresses from the input device 1000. The settings may include one or morespecific applications to operate as well. The external device 1002 thenreceives the button input from the input device 1000. The externaldevice 1002 can then interpret the button input based on the settingsselection and take one or more actions based on the interpretation ofthe button input. A non-exhaustive list of examples of actions that maybe taken based on the button input includes: storing or deletinginformation; sending a signal to one or more other devices; initiating,answering, or ending a phone call; sending a text, picture, or videomessage; posting information to a website, social media outlet, blog,RSS feed, etc.; sharing information with a specified group of peopleand/or other devices; transmitting a location signal; controlling musicand/or video being played by the external device 1002; controlling acamera associated with the external device 1002, including an integralcamera of the external device 1002 or an external camera 1008;interacting with the module 930; transmitting data received from themodule 930; powering the external device 1002 and/or the input device1000 on or off; as well as other functions. After taking the action, theexternal device 1002 may continue to function using the same settings ormay receive selection of other settings. Using the input device 1000 totransmit input to the external device 1002 may permit the user tocontrol the external device 1002 without directly accessing the device1002, or even if the device 1002 is not in the user's immediatepossession (e.g., located in a gym bag on the bench during a sportingevent). This greatly improves the versatility of the use of the externaldevice 1002, as well as other components such as the camera 1008 and themodule 930, which may be difficult or impossible to operate directlyduring certain physical activities.

Phone

One potential application or function that the external device 1002 mayuse in connection with the input device 1000 is operation of atelephone, such as a phone that is integrated within the external device1002. For example, the button input may be used to place a call to apre-selected number, answer an incoming call, switch to a held call, enda call, activate/deactivate speakerphone, change volume, and otherfunctions. This enables the telephone to be operated without directlyaccessing the external device 1002, which may be difficult or clumsyduring physical activity. A wireless headset or earpiece may be used inconnection with the telephone as well. In one embodiment, the inputdevice 1000 may include a dedicated button for volume control (button1001B as described above), which may be used with a phone. The telephoneoperation may be used in connection with other functions orapplications, such as the safety application(s) discussed herein. It isunderstood that the pre-selected phone number for a call, as well as thevarious control functions of the telephone with respect to the inputdevice 1000, can be controlled by user settings.

Music

Another potential application or function that the external device 1002may use in connection with the input device 1000 is operation of a musicor video player, such as a music or video player that is integratedwithin the external device 1002 or controlled by the external device1002. The button input may be used for functions such as play, pause,skip, repeat, forward, rewind, power on/off, selection of a specificsong to play or a specific video or photograph to display, and volumecontrol, among others. In one embodiment, the input device 1000 mayinclude a dedicated button for volume control (button 1001B as describedabove), which may be used with a music or video player, or in anotherembodiment, sequences of the main button 1001A may control suchfeatures. It is understood that the pre-selected specific song, as wellas the various control functions of the music or video player withrespect to the input device 1000, can be controlled by user settings.

Camera

Another potential application or function that the external device 1002may use in connection with the input device 1000 is operation of a musicor video player, such as a music or video player that is integratedwithin the external device 1002 or controlled by the external device1002. The button input may be used for functions such as taking a photo,series of photos, or video; transmitting, uploading, and/or sharing aphoto or video; controlling camera or media settings such as exposure,sensitivity, filters, or video recording speed; and other functions. Thecamera operation may be used in connection with other functions orapplications, such as the safety application(s) discussed herein. Forexample, the external device 1002 may be configured to activate thecamera 1008 any time a safety issue is indicated, or when unexpectedstops are detected along a running route, for safety and/or sharingpurposes. It is understood that the various control functions of thecamera with respect to the input device 1000 can be controlled by usersettings.

Mapping

Another potential application or function that the external device 1002may use in connection with the input device 1000 is operation of mappingfeatures and/or applications of the external device. The button inputmay be used for functions such as accessing a map, setting a destinationor waypoint, storing or transmitting a current location, finding thelocation of another user or device, or various other controls. Themapping operation may be used in connection with other functions orapplications, such as the safety application(s) discussed herein. It isunderstood that the various control functions of the mapping featureswith respect to the input device 1000 can be controlled by usersettings.

Activity Tracking and Sharing

Another potential application or function that the external device 1002may use in connection with the input device 1000 is an activity trackingand/or sharing application, where users can share activity informationwith others, such as sharing among members of a designated group.Examples of such activity information include activity sessioninformation, photographs, text posts, locations, as well as other typesof information. The button(s) 1001 can be used to quickly shareinformation with others. For example, various button sequences may beused for tracking functions such as beginning or ending activitytracking, marking desired temporal points or locations during activity,switching from tracking one type of activity to another, displayingactivity information on the external device 1002, or other functions;and various button sequences may also be used for sharing functions suchas sharing activity session data, taking or sharing a photo or video,sharing a current location, detecting another user's location, orsending a pre-programmed text message to specified persons (e.g., “I'mstarting/finishing my run”). It is understood that the content of such apre-programmed message, as well as the various control functions of theapplication with respect to the input device 1000, can be controlled byuser settings.

In one embodiment, the external device 1002 can obtain activityinformation shared by another user (e.g., one or more other runners),such as the location and speed of the other user(s), a planned runningroute, or other information, and then display and/or further processthis information. Such further processing may include calculating a paceand/or a shortcut for the user to catch up to the other user, planning aroute to meet the other user, transmitting the user's own information tothe other user, etc. For example, if the user arrives late to anorganized group run with a pre-planned route, the device 1002 can plot aroute and pace for the user to catch up to the other runner(s) based onthe pre-planned route and the other runner's position and speed. Asanother example, if a user has a friend competing in a large race, thedevice 1002 can locate the friend and set a pace for the user to catchthe friend, based on the race route and the friend's location and speed.As a further example, the device 1002 could send a message to the otherrunner(s) in the previous examples to reduce their pace and/or takeanother route to facilitate the user catching up. Plotting of routes asdescribed above may further incorporate safety features as describedherein, such as by plotting routes that avoid known or suspected safetyhazards based on safety information.

In another embodiment, the external device 1002 may combine the activitytracking and music player applications together, allowing the user tocontrol both applications and switch between the two applications usingonly the input device 1000. FIG. 113 illustrates one example of acontrol scheme for controlling and switching between these twoapplications using the main button 1001A on the input device 1000. It isunderstood that the control scheme in FIG. 113 switches between controlof these two applications, but that switching need not deactivate thede-selected application unless desired by the user. Other controlschemes could be used in other embodiments, and the control scheme maybe at least partially dictated by user-controlled settings. Controlschemes similar to the example in FIG. 113 could be used in connectionwith other applications and functions of the external device 1002, forsimultaneously controlling two or more different applications orfunctions and switching between such applications or functions, usingthe input device 1000.

In a further embodiment, the activity tracking application may includean activity selection setting, which permits the user to select anactivity from the list, such that the device 1002 operates differentlyfor different activity selections. For example, the device 1002 may haveone set of user settings for interpreting button input for one activityand another set of user settings for interpreting button input for adifferent activity. As another example, the device 1002 and/or themodule 930 may collect and interpret movement data differently based ondifferent activity selections. As a further example, the device 1002 mayinstruct the input device 1000 to provide different types of hapticfeedback for different purposes based on the activity selection. Otherexample selections may be used as well.

Safety Alert

Another potential application or function that the external device 1002may use in connection with the input device 1000 is a safety alertapplication, which can alert others of potential safety concerns, suchas attacks, accidents, crimes, fires, etc. In one embodiment, theexternal device 1002 may be programmed to contact others when signaledto do so by the input device 1000, such as alerting friends and/orfamily, alerting police or emergency services, etc. For example,specific button press sequences on the input device may control thedevice 1002 to send a pre-programmed text or other message (e.g., a callfor help), transmit the user's location, initiate a phone call to apre-selected recipient, transmitting and/or storing informationregarding safety concerns, initiating an audible alarm (e.g., throughspeakers on the external device 1002), take a photo or video with thecamera 1008, or other functions. An audible alarm may include a siren orother alert sound, music from a music player, or other audible alarm,and the device 1002 may automatically deactivate any headphones orsimilar equipment upon sounding the alarm. As one specific example, onebutton sequence may automatically share the user's location with others,and another button sequence may share the user's location with anindication of a safety issue, while a third button sequence may generatean emergency alert. It is understood that the various control functionsof the application with respect to the input device 1000, including theidentities of emergency contacts and the content of any automatedmessages, can be controlled by user settings.

In one embodiment, the devices 1000, 1002 may be used as part of a groupor network of users to share safety information. For example, a user'sdevice 1002 may share intended running information (e.g., intendeddistance, time of run, start and end points, etc.) with a designatedgroup, to give the group a general idea of where the user will be at aspecific time of day, in case a safety issue arises. A specific intendedroute may be shared as well. The device 1002 may also periodically sendposition updates to the group, which position updates can be performedautomatically on a periodic basis, upon indication from the user (e.g.,through the input device 1000), or upon detection that movement haschanged (e.g., a stop or pause in running). Such a group may beconfigured to share all safety information with each other, and may beset up in advance as a temporary or persistent group. As anotherexample, the external device 1002 may be configured to send emergencyalerts or safety information to others in the group. As another example,the external device 1002 may be configured to take specified actionswhen an emergency alert is received from another user, such asautomatically answering an emergency phone call or activating an audiblealarm. In one embodiment, if another designated user sends out anemergency alert SMS message, the external device 1002 may be programmedto automatically answer any call from the other user within a specifictime period following the alert message, or at any time until the otheruser sends a subsequent alert deactivation message. As a furtherexample, the external device 1002 may be configured to alert the userwhen the user is in or approaching a potential hazard identified byanother user in the network.

In another embodiment, the devices 1000, 1002 may be used as part of asafety information system. The safety information system may be operatedin a network environment, which may include one or more servers and anumber of other electronic devices. Communications through the safetyinformation system may be made through a server or directly betweendevices. The system may collect and provide various types of safetyinformation. For example, the safety information system can collectuser-generated safety information from a plurality of differentusers/devices, including the external device 1002. Such safetyinformation may include the locations and times of emergency alerts,locations and times of other potential safety issues, and gatheredqualitative safety information. It is understood that the safetyinformation may include positive safety information as well as negativesafety information. Examples of different types of qualitative safetyinformation include: areas where suspicious persons are known tocongregate, areas that are isolated or desolate, areas with few or nostreet lights, areas with no sidewalks, popular pedestrian routes, areasthat “feel” unsafe to the user, areas that frequently flood after rains,and other types of qualitative information. The qualitative informationmay include some quantitative component as well, such as a “danger”rating on a quantitative scale. The safety information may also includecrime maps, which may be publicly accessible and/or privately generatedbased on crime data aggregation. The safety information may becategorized by location, time of day, whether a safety issue istemporary or persistent, type of safety issue (e.g., crime, fire,suspected threat, weather or environmental hazard, wildlife, etc.),quantitative danger rating, and other categorizations.

The safety information system may present or provide the safetyinformation in a number of different ways. As one example, the device1002 may generate an indication of a safety alert that has recently beengenerated by another user in the current area or along a planned route.As another example, the device 1002 may generate an indication thathistorical or aggregated safety information indicates that the presentarea, the area of a planned route, or the area the user is approachingincludes a potential safety issue. FIG. 114 illustrates one example of adisplay on the external device 1002 indicating a potential safety hazardin an area near the user's location. An indication of a safety issue mayfactor in the current time or the time the user is expected to enter thearea, if the safety issue is time-dependent, such as arecently-occurring event or a time of day when the safety issue is knownor thought to exist based on historical information. An indication of asafety issue may also factor in a specific size of the relevant area(e.g., a radius around the user and/or around the safety issue). Asanother example, the device 1002 may generate a suggested action inresponse to a safety issue, such as turning around, suggesting analternate route, taking cover, etc. Such suggested actions may be basedon the nature of the safety issue, calculations performed by the device1002 (e.g., alternate routes), public emergency notices (e.g., severeweather warnings), and other information. FIG. 115 illustrates oneexample of a display of the external device 1002 suggesting an alternateroute to the user to avoid a safety hazard.

Route Recommendations

Another potential application or function that the external device 1002may use in connection with the input device 1000 is a running routerecommendation application, where the device 1002 can recommend runningroutes to the user based on various information including desiredrunning location, desired start or end points, desired length of run,desired time of day of the run, safety information (as described above),other user-generated information such as route quality ratings (scenery,difficulty or ease of run, etc.), and other factors. In one embodiment,the user may input the desired run information into the device 1002, andthe device generates a running route that conforms to the runinformation and avoids safety issues as discussed above. The device 1002may dynamically alter the running route in progress based on new safetyinformation, as also described above. The user may be able to share anyinformation about the run with other users during or after a run aswell, including safety information and route quality ratings orcomments, which may be used by the device 1002 and/or other users'devices in generating future running routes. It is understood that thevarious control functions of the route recommendation application withrespect to the input device 1000 can be controlled by user settings.

The route recommendation function of the devices 1000, 1002 can also beused in connection with a larger route recommendation system andnetwork. The system may aggregate information from various usersregarding specific running routes and use that information to generatefuture running routes based on user-defined criteria. For example, thesystem may make safety information and route quality ratings or commentsavailable to users and their devices 1002. As another example, thesystem may develop and/or store “recommended” running routes in aspecific area, and users who run the recommended routes can generateinformation regarding the route, such as safety and/or qualityinformation. It is understood that such user-generated information mayhave a time-of-day component as well, such as safety issues that existonly at certain times of day or increased/decreased run quality atspecific times of day. Thus, a route may only be recommended forspecific times of day, or different quality/safety ratings for differenttimes of day may be made available to the user. The system may furtherbe configured to use only selected safety and/or quality informationwhen providing a recommended route or when making such informationavailable to the user, such as information of a certain category orquantitative/qualitative rating, or information generated by specificother users (e.g., a user's friends, other users with similar interestsand preferences, other users of a specific gender, etc.). The system mayalternately be configured to weigh such selected safety/qualityinformation more or less heavily when providing a recommended route. Forexample, female users may desire route recommendations based on safetyinformation generated by other female users, or runners who enjoy scenicroutes may desire route recommendations based on quality informationfrom other users with similar preferences.

Anti-Theft

Another potential application or function that the external device 1002may use in connection with the input device 1000 is an anti-theftapplication, which can be used in the event of a theft or attemptedtheft of the external device 1002. For example, different buttonsequences on the input device 1000 may generate an alarm in the event ofa theft attempt, lock the device 1002 to prevent access by others,generate an alert to law enforcement with a location of the device 1002,prevent powering off or deactivation of the device, or other anti-theftmeasures. It is understood that the various control functions of theanti-theft function with respect to the input device 1000 can becontrolled by user settings.

The systems and networks described above, such as the safety informationsystem, the route recommendation system, and emergency alerts, mayaccess or communicate with other existing systems in connection withproviding functionality. For example, such systems may exchangeinformation with a public or private emergency service, such asgathering safety information from such services and/or transmittingemergency alerts to such services. Other examples of such cooperativeinformation sharing may be used as well.

The various embodiments of athletic bands and other articles of apparel,housings, and modules described herein provide benefits over existingtechnology. For example, the configuration of the module and the pocketin which it is received can operate to place physiological sensors inclose proximity to the user's skin, which can enhance the ability ofsuch sensors to capture physiological data of the user. As anotherexample, the structures of the band and/or housing described herein cancontrol stretching of the elastic material in order to make pulling theband on and off an appendage quicker and easier; assist in preventingslippage of the band during use; facilitate moisture passage away fromthe electronic module during use; and increase durability andwashability of the band, among other benefits described herein and/orrecognized by those skilled in the art. As a further example, theadditional input device as described herein provides enhanced abilityfor communication and interaction with an external device, as well as asimple interface for on-the-go operation of and communication with suchan external device by an athlete in the middle of a competition or otherathletic event. The various embodiments of manufacturing methodsdescribed herein also provide benefits over existing technology. Forexample, the manufacturing methods for the band as described hereincreate a durable structure that is efficient to produce. The variousmethods for operation of the module, the input device, and the externaldevice described herein can enhance the performance monitoring operationof the module and provide enhanced functionality for a user inconnection with use of the band and module. Still further benefits arerecognizable by those skilled in the art.

Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described andillustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art wouldappreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possiblecombinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinaryskill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodimentscould be provided in any combination with the other embodimentsdisclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied inother specific forms without departing from the spirit or centralcharacteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments,therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details givenherein. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., as usedherein, are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit theembodiments in any way. Additionally, the term “plurality,” as usedherein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively orconjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Further,“providing” an article or apparatus, as used herein, refers broadly tomaking the article available or accessible for future actions to beperformed on the article and does not connote that the party providingthe article has manufactured, produced, or supplied the article or thatthe party providing the article has ownership or control of the article.Accordingly, while specific embodiments have been illustrated anddescribed, numerous modifications come to mind without significantlydeparting from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A performance monitoring system comprising: anarticle of apparel configured to be worn by a user and at leastpartially formed of a first layer and a second layer of a flexiblematerial, the second layer joined to the first layer in a superimposed,layered configuration, the article of apparel having a pocket supportedby the article of apparel and defined by the flexible material betweenthe first and second layers, wherein the pocket has an opening providingaccess to the pocket, the article of apparel further comprising ahousing connected to the article of apparel within the pocket and beingformed of a polymer material having increased rigidity relative to theflexible material defining the pocket, wherein the housing has an innerwall, an outer wall, and side walls connecting the inner wall and theouter wall, wherein the inner wall, the outer wall, and the side wallsdefine a cavity within the pocket, and wherein the housing has an accessopening through the inner wall of the housing that provides access tothe cavity and is accessible through the opening in the pocket, suchthat the cavity is accessible through the opening and the accessopening, wherein the housing comprises a flange extending around atleast a portion of the housing, wherein the flange is positioned betweenthe first and second layers of the flexible material, and the first andsecond layers are bonded to the flange to secure the housing within thecavity; and an electronic module received in the cavity and engaged withthe housing such that the inner wall and the outer wall each engage atleast a portion of an underside and a top side of the electronic module,respectively, and the side walls engage at least a portion of a side ofthe electronic module, wherein the electronic module is configured to beinserted and removed from the cavity through the access opening, theelectronic module comprising a projection on the underside of theelectronic module and a sensor mounted on the projection, wherein theprojection extends through the housing when the electronic module isreceived in the cavity and is configured to place the sensor in closeproximity to skin of the user, such that the sensor is configured tosense a physiological parameter of the user.
 2. The performancemonitoring system of claim 1, wherein the pocket has a sensor openingthat is separate from the opening, such that the projection extendsthrough the sensor opening when the electronic module is received in thecavity.
 3. The performance monitoring system of claim 1, wherein theelectronic module comprises a casing defining the projection, a computerdevice contained within the casing and in communication with the sensor,and an interface defined on a top side of the casing and configured toreceive user input for operation of the computer device, and wherein theinner wall, the outer wall, and the side walls of the housing engage thecasing of the electronic module.
 4. The performance monitoring system ofclaim 1, wherein the article of apparel is a band comprising a tubularbody configured to be worn by the user, wherein the tubular body of theband has a wider end and a narrower end and is configured to be worn onan arm of the user, and wherein the access opening is located at an endof the housing most proximate to the narrower end of the tubular body.5. The performance monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the article ofapparel is a band comprising a tubular body configured to be worn by theuser, wherein the tubular body of the band has a wider end and anarrower end and is configured to be worn on an arm of the user, andwherein the access opening is located at an end of the housing mostproximate to the wider end of the tubular body.
 6. The performancemonitoring system of claim 1, wherein the flexible material at leastpartially forming the article of apparel and defining the pocket is anelastic fabric material.
 7. The performance monitoring system of claim1, wherein the article of apparel further comprises a moveable securingmember securing the module within the cavity.
 8. The performancemonitoring system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is an optical heartrate sensor.
 9. The performance monitoring system of claim 1, whereinthe projection of the electronic module extends through the housing byextending through the access opening.
 10. The performance monitoringsystem of claim 1, wherein polymer material of the housing isthermoplastic polyurethane.
 11. The performance monitoring system ofclaim 1, wherein the flange is integrally formed with the housing.
 12. Aperformance monitoring system comprising: an article of apparelconfigured to be worn by a user and at least partially formed of a firstlayer and a second layer of a flexible material, the second layer joinedto the first layer in a superimposed, layered configuration, the articleof apparel having a pocket supported by the article of apparel anddefined by the flexible material between the first and second layers,wherein the pocket has an opening providing access to the pocket, thearticle of apparel further comprising a housing connected to the articleof apparel within the pocket and being formed of a polymer materialhaving increased rigidity relative to the flexible material defining thepocket, wherein the housing has an inner wall, an outer wall, and sidewalls connecting the inner wall and the outer wall, wherein the innerwall, the outer wall, and the side walls define a cavity within thepocket, and wherein the housing has an access opening in the inner wallof the housing that provides access to the cavity and is accessiblethrough the opening in the pocket, such that the cavity is accessiblethrough the opening and the access opening, wherein the housingcomprises a flange extending around at least a portion of the housing,wherein the flange is positioned between the first and second layers ofthe flexible material, and the first and second layers are bonded to theflange to secure the housing within the cavity; wherein the housing isconfigured to removably receive an electronic module in the cavitythrough the access opening, such that the inner wall and the outer walleach are configured to engage at least a portion of an underside and atop side of the electronic module, respectively, and the side walls areconfigured to engage at least a portion of a side of the electronicmodule, and wherein the housing is configured to permit a sensor of theelectronic module to extend therethrough and to be placed in closeproximity to skin of the user when the electronic module is received inthe cavity.
 13. The performance monitoring system of claim 12, whereinthe housing is configured to permit the sensor of the electronic moduleto extend through the access opening.
 14. The performance monitoringsystem of claim 12, wherein polymer material of the housing isthermoplastic polyurethane.
 15. The performance monitoring system ofclaim 12, wherein the article of apparel is a band comprising a tubularbody configured to be worn by the user, wherein the tubular body of theband has a wider end and a narrower end and is configured to be worn onan arm of the user, and wherein the access opening is located at an endof the housing most proximate to the narrower end of the tubular body.16. The performance monitoring system of claim 12, wherein the articleof apparel is a band comprising a tubular body configured to be worn bythe user, wherein the tubular body of the band has a wider end and anarrower end and is configured to be worn on an arm of the user, andwherein the access opening is located at an end of the housing mostproximate to the wider end of the tubular body.